Filipina race car driver Bianca Bustamante just clocked in one of the biggest milestones in her career yet—she’s officially part of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list for 2025.
At only 19 years old, the motorsport rising star is being recognized in the Sports & Games category, joining a competitive roster of elite athletes, founders, and changemakers across the continent.
Bustamante has been gaining traction on and off the track. After being signed by the McLaren Driver Development Programme in 2023—the first female driver from Asia to do so—she raced under the F1 Academy banner and secured wins at iconic circuits like Valencia and Monza.
Her historic signing with McLaren marked a turning point not just for her, but for Asian representation in motorsports at large.
From karting in the Philippines to the world stage
Before she was competing in Europe, Bustamante was making noise as a karting champion in the Philippines. She began racing at age 5 and quickly became one of the country’s youngest standout talents.
Her early exposure to competitive karting laid the foundation for her transition to the international racing scene, where she’s now making waves as a professional single-seater driver.
The transition hasn’t been without its hurdles—especially as a young woman navigating a male-dominated sport—but Bustamante’s persistence has helped her carve out a unique space in the global motorsports landscape.
Beyond racing: a Gen Z force in culture and media
What makes Bustamante stand out even more is her cultural influence beyond the sport. She has built a strong following on social media, with over 3 million fans across Instagram and TikTok.
This digital footprint has opened doors to brand collaborations with Anastasia Beverly Hills, Cisco, and other major names, signaling her reach outside racing.
She also landed the cover of Vogue Philippines in July 2024 alongside weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz, reinforcing her position as a modern-day Filipina role model whose appeal spans sports, fashion, and lifestyle.
In a post on Instagram, Bustamante said she was “still in disbelief” over the Forbes honor, calling it “a great source of motivation” as she prepares for the next chapter in her racing career.
That next chapter includes competing in the 2025 GB3 Championship in the UK, where she’ll drive for Elite Motorsport.
What this means for Filipinos in international sports
Bustamante’s Forbes inclusion points to a broader shift: more Filipino athletes are gaining visibility and recognition in global arenas once dominated by Western or regional elites.
It’s also a sign of how Gen Z talent is rewriting the rules—mixing sport, content creation, and branding into a full-blown career ecosystem.
Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list has long been seen as a barometer for who’s shaping the future. With her name now in that lineup, Bustamante is officially being recognized not just as a fast driver, but as a fast-rising figure on the world stage.
Whether she’s behind the wheel or on a magazine cover, Bianca Bustamante is pushing forward—and a lot of people are watching.
