Bianca Bustamante’s rookie season in GB3 was more than just a test of speed; it was a defining chapter in her pursuit of Formula 1.
Filipino racing talent Bianca Bustamante has completed a pivotal rookie campaign in the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport — a key step on the pathway to Formula 3 and her pursuit of a career in Formula 1.
The UK’s premier single-seater category challenged the two-time F1 Academy race winner and former karting champion to adapt to faster, more powerful machinery in the new Tatuus MSV GB3-025 and compete in mixed-grid car racing for the first time.
As she seeks to advance her racing career, the 2025 season was always about more than just results for the 20-year-old; it was about embracing new challenges, learning from every session, and refining her craft, all while proudly representing her country on an international stage.
“What a year it has been. Stepping into the GB3 Championship was a huge challenge. The cars were faster, the grids more competitive, and every race demanded more from me than ever before,” Bustamante shared.
In spite of the big adjustments she had to make as a driver this year, Bustamante earned recognition for her resilience and determination across the year, recording personal best finishes of P13 at Zandvoort (race 6) and Hungary (races 11 and 12), alongside several top 15 results (P14 in races 10, 21, and 23) — strong form for a debut season in such a competitive series.
“Despite the steep learning curve, three P13 finishes and multiple top 15 results were big positives,” she added. “I feel that I have grown tremendously as both a driver and a person, learning from every lap and every event, and I am so grateful to Elite Motorsport and my sponsors for their support in my debut GB3 season.
“My aim is for my driving to take a big step forward in the coming season.”
Beyond her GB3 commitments, Bustamante also gained additional experience as a Formula E Development Driver for Cupra Kiro, including a notable P3 finish at the Formula E Women’s Test in Valencia. The October 31 test followed her participation in the Rookie Test in Berlin in July, with both events offering valuable track time and learning experiences to further enhance her development across the year.
Bustamante’s dedication on the track was matched only by her commitment away from it, with heavy emphasis placed on both strength and cardio, with the latter a new focus for this up-and-coming racer, and weight training to allow her to best handle the demands of the GB3 car’s increased power and downforce. This physical preparation was complemented by many hours on the racing simulator.
What comes next for the Filipina racer?
She revealed: “I can’t wait to share my 2026 plans soon. In the meantime, I am determined to keep making the most of every opportunity, and to keep moving closer to my dream of racing in Formula 1.”
Images courtesy of CBR Media.