Bianca Bustamante Is Making History in the World of Motorsports

Meet Bianca Bustamante, the rising motorsports driver speeding into the limelight. One of the sport's fastest-rising names, Bustamante starred in Netflix's F1: The Academy and was also selected for Forbes '30 Under 30 Europe' List. On top of this, the athlete made history as the first female driver ever selected for McLaren's Driver Development Program.

Bustamante is now one of the newest faces of GEN / EA SPORTS, a new engagement platform that showcases emerging and multi-dimensional athletes to the next generation of sports fans. The athlete is now fronting the brand's Spotify takeover series, sharing her soundtrack for success both on and off the track. We caught up with Bustamante to hear all things motorsports, music and mentors, including the biggest misconceptions surrounding racing.

From growing up in the Philippines and getting her first go-kart at age three, to her love of art, we caught up with Bustamante to find out everything there is to know. Read on for the full interview and an insight into the life of a racecar driver.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you got into racing?

I grew up in the Philippines, in a family where motorsport was always a big part of the conversation. My dad, Raymund, was deeply passionate about racing — in fact, he bought me my first go-kart when I was just about three years old. Over the years, I competed in karting and gradually moved up the ranks, facing many challenges along the way — financial constraints, limited access to exposure and being a girl in a male-dominated sport.

A turning point came when I got support from mentors and sponsors who believed in me. I also got opportunities through series like F1 Academy, and later roles in development programs and test sessions in Formula E. Every step has been a mix of passion, sacrifice, strategy and using every platform I have to push forward.

What's a common misconception about the world of F1 and racing? What don't people know about it?

One big misconception is that racing is glamorous and easy, or that success is just about driving fast. The reality is that behind every lap, there's a massive amount of unseen work — logistics, sponsorship, funding, technical preparation, marketing, media and mental strength. Many people assume all drivers come from affluent backgrounds, but I've seen firsthand how difficult it is to make ends meet. Every crash, every technical failure, every missed performance has financial consequences.

Also, people often don't see how much vulnerability, resilience and adaptability are required — you might be in the spotlight, but you're human. Mistakes happen, stress happens, but how you respond is part of the story.

You've just teamed up with EA SPORTS and Spotify to create the ultimate playlist. How did the partnership come about?

I've always been a big fan of EA SPORTS and their games, and music has always been a core part of my life. When GEN / EA SPORTS launched their initiative to spotlight next-gen creative athletes, I felt it aligned so well with who I am.

The team and I really wanted to create something that felt true to who I am off the track. Music has always been my way of slowing things down and finding a bit of peace in the chaos. That's actually where the idea for the "Sunset" playlist came from — for me, sunsets are those rare quiet moments after a crazy day, when everything just kind of slows down and you can breathe again. So with GEN / EA SPORTS and Spotify, we put together a playlist that captures that feeling. It's full of songs that help me reset, reflect and stay centered — and I love that fans can listen and share that same calm energy with me.

What does music do for you, both in your professional and personal life?

Music is therapy and fuel. On track, it helps me get into the zone, calm my nerves and sharpen my focus. Off track, it's how I recharge, reflect and express myself. When emotion is high — whether after a tough session or a great moment — music helps me process it. It's also a bridge with fans: sharing the songs I love is a way to open a door into who I am beyond racing.

There's quite a mix of genres in your playlist, ranging from mellow ballads to upbeat classics. What can you tell us about the thought process behind some of these tracks? How did you decide what to include?

I wanted variety — because my life isn't one mood all the time. Some tracks are calming, to help me reset; others are energetic, to pump me up.

When picking songs, I think: does this track match a feeling I've had in training, or after a race? Does it reflect a memory or a mindset I want to evoke? I also consider balance — you don't want a playlist that's all high tempo or all slow — you want motion, contrast, surprises. Also, I like to include songs that fans might not expect — that reflect my background, my tastes and maybe introduce them to something new.

What's one thing you’d like people to know about you outside of your work?

I'm more emotional than people imagine. I love photography, sketching, quiet moments and reflection. I'm always learning, always evolving. I want people to see me not just as a racer, but as someone with hopes, doubts and passions beyond the track.

You've split your genres across continents. Can you tell us a bit more about how your music reflects your background?

I grew up in the Philippines, and I carry that with me — in language, in rhythm, in nostalgia. So in the playlist, you'll see some nods to the music I grew up hearing, and also songs I discovered internationally. The blend is intentional: it mirrors my journey — rooted where I come from, but exploring everywhere else. In that sense, music becomes a map of identity and aspiration.

Your career is a huge inspiration for a lot of young girls who perhaps don't see as much visibility from women in racing. What would you say to the girls out there looking to break into male-dominated sports?

I'd tell them: "Believe in your vision," even when others don't. Use every tool you have—mentors, social media, storytelling, partnerships—to amplify your presence. Work as hard off the track as on it. Be consistent. Embrace vulnerability.

Also, remember that the path won't always be smooth, and that's okay. Mistakes don't define you; your response does. And surround yourself with people who see your worth and push you forward.

What does the future look like for you with EA Sports?

From my side, the partnership is about bridging sport and culture, and giving a bigger voice to next-gen athletes — telling stories beyond performance. GEN / EA SPORTS gives me a platform to show more of who I am: not just a driver, but a creative, a human.

We've already done the playlist project together, and I'm excited for more collaborations that lean into authenticity and innovation. Looking ahead, I see more content, more campaigns, more ways to connect with fans and inspire others.

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