Bianca Bustamante recognized in Forbes’ 30 under 30 Europe 2025 list

Bianca Bustamante, the 20-year-old Filipina racing star, has been named to Forbes’ prestigious "30 Under 30 Europe 202" list under the Sports & Games category. Her inclusion marks a major milestone in her young but already impressive motorsports career, cementing her status as one of the most promising and trailblazing figures in the racing world.

Forbes recognized Bianca for her exceptional rise in motorsports, notably as the first female driver to join the McLaren Driver Development Program in 2023 as part of the F1 Academy.

Bustamante’s career took off in 2023 when she notched her first career win in Spain, followed by another victory in Monza in July of the same year. These victories, along with her ongoing success in F1 Academy, have made her a standout talent in the competitive world of Formula 4 and open-wheel racing.

Bustamante has also built a strong social media presence, with over 3 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Her platforms not only showcase her racing career but also help inspire and empower young women around the world. Her influence has attracted major sponsorships from global brands, including Anastasia Beverly Hills and Cisco.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Bustamante shared her disbelief and gratitude upon hearing the news of her selection. “Gosh, putting this into writing feels unreal,” she wrote, acknowledging the incredible journey that has brought her to this point.

Reflecting on her childhood dreams, she added, “The 5-year-old me just wanted to drive till the sun went down... who knew this is who she’d grow up to be.”

Despite her significant achievements, Bustamante acknowledged that her journey is far from over. She expressed her gratitude to everyone who has supported her along the way, emphasizing that there is still much work to be done.

“It definitely hasn’t been an easy journey, soooo much work behind the scenes that doesn’t make it onto socials. I also know the journey’s nowhere near over, and I’ll have to keep pushing my limits,” she said.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, Bustamante's accomplishments in 2024 were further celebrated when she graced the cover of "Vogue Philippines" alongside Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. She was also ranked 64th on the "SportsPro Media" and "NorthStar Solutions Group" list of the "150 Most Marketable Athletes" in the world.

Bustamante’s inclusion in Forbes’ "30 Under 30" list highlights not just her racing prowess but her broader impact on the world of sports and entertainment. She is a true inspiration to aspiring racers, particularly young women looking to break barriers in male-dominated fields.

As Bustamante prepares to compete in the GB3 Championship starting 26 to 27 April 2025, she continues to set her sights on greater achievements. Her dedication, talent, and perseverance suggest that this is only the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in motorsports.

With a growing list of accolades and an ever-expanding influence, Bianca Bustamante is undoubtedly one to watch as she heads into the next chapter of her racing career.