Photo from Bianca Bustamante’s Instagram
MANILA, Philippines — Bianca Bustamante became the first Filipino racer to compete in the 2022 W Series season.
The 17-year-old Bustamante was selected as one of the youngest drivers after an impressive performance in the official W Series Pre-Season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain early this month.
“I am beyond thrilled to be part of W Series this season. It is a dream come true and I am still pinching myself every day to check this actually happened,” Bustamante said in a statement. “All my life I have had my sights set on Formula 1, and now my racing career has taken a big step in the right direction thanks to W Series.”
Bustamante, who also tested Formula 3 and Formula 4 cars in the United States and Spain, said there is still so much work to do as she eyes to become a Formula 1 driver.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment so far as I learn what it takes to become a professional driver, and I’m going to give it my all both on and off the track,” she said.
“I’m making big gains in both my strength and mental focus. It has been a whirlwind and I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks at home in the Philippines before my debut race in W Series. Until then I’m going to keep pinching myself until I’m finally on the start grid in Miami.”
Bustamante makes her W Series debut on May 6, coinciding with the F1 Miami Grand Prix.
The series will visit five new venues this year, including the first-ever W Series round in Asia held at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.