Photo credits: Racerbia via Instagram
Bianca Bustamante, the 20-year-old Filipina rising through the elite ranks of international motorsport, is now reaching global audiences—not just from behind the wheel, but through their screens. With her debut on Netflix’s highly anticipated docuseries “F1: The Academy,” Bustamante becomes the first Filipina featured in the franchise, propelling her story of grit, glory, and representation into the international spotlight.
Premiering on May 28, 2025, the series follows the lives of young female racers breaking barriers in Formula racing. For Bustamante, the opportunity is both personal and powerful: a chance to inspire while pursuing her lifelong dream of competing at the pinnacle of the sport.
A Star on and off the Track
Born in the Philippines, Bianca began karting as a child and quickly earned recognition across Asia. Her early success catapulted her into European development leagues and ultimately led to her being signed by the McLaren Development Programme in 2023—the first Filipina to achieve this distinction.
In Netflix’s “F1: The Academy,” viewers witness Bianca’s fierce determination, candid reflections, and raw vulnerability as she navigates pressure-packed race weekends and personal growth. Her story reflects the challenges faced by women in motorsport and the strength it takes to overcome them.
Why This Moment Matters
This is a landmark achievement for representation. Bustamante’s visibility on a global streaming platform elevates Southeast Asian and Filipina voices in a sport often seen through a Western and male-dominated lens. She brings both competitive fire and cultural pride to the world stage.
Bustamante’s Netflix debut signals a turning point: one where young girls in the Philippines and across Asia can now point to someone like them not only competing—but winning, leading, and redefining what’s possible.
What to Expect in the Series
The docuseries, produced by Hello Sunshine, dives deep into the lives of F1 Academy drivers. For Bustamante, that means:
Intense training and race-day routines
Mental health conversations
Her relationship with family, fans, and team
Moments of victory and vulnerability
Her red-carpet appearance at the Miami Grand Prix premiere and her now-viral quote, “Just a girl in a red dress doing impossible things,” encapsulate the energy she brings—both elegant and unstoppable.
What’s Next for Bianca
As Bustamante returns to Europe for the 2025 F1 Academy season, she has her sights set on Formula 3 and beyond. She’s also mentoring younger racers and launching initiatives to support girls in STEM and racing across the Philippines.
Conclusion
Bianca Bustamante is more than a racer. She is a symbol of possibility, proof that talent and courage know no borders. With her Netflix debut, she races not just toward a finish line—but toward a future built on equity, speed, and fearless representation.
