Bianca Bustamante, the former F1 Academy driver, has shared the difficulties she endured while transitioning from the female-only F1 Academy to the mixed-gender GB3 Championship. At just 20 years old, Bustamante signed with Elite Motorsport for the 2025 GB3 season after concluding her tenure in the F1 Academy at the end of 2024. During her time in F1 Academy, she was part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, a partnership that ended with her departure from the Susie Wolff-led series. This shift marked a major step forward in her career, demanding significant mental and physical adjustment.

The Physical and Mental Battles of Adapting to Faster Cars

Bustamante described the jump as a “huge step” in her racing journey, emphasizing how moving to a mixed category with higher downforce cars pushed her capabilities to the limit. The GB3 cars are roughly 10 seconds faster per lap compared to Formula 4 vehicles, presenting a steep learning curve. Early in the 2024 season, she grappled with self-doubt about her place in the championship, questioning whether she had the physical fitness and mental resilience required.

“For the first half of the season, I was contemplating a lot, if I deserve to be here and speaking with my team and my manager if I’ve actually got what it takes, if I’m physically fit, mentally am I strong enough?”

Bustamante admitted. She acknowledged this internal struggle as a defining part of her development, one she fought through until she gained full confidence in her abilities.

Steady Progress Evident at Hungary Raceway

Bustamante’s breakthrough came during a race weekend in Hungary, where she demonstrated significant improvement. This progress was a result of rigorous preparation beyond just on-track performance, including strict training, disciplined nutrition, and mental perseverance. She pointed out the importance of consistent effort even on days when motivation and energy were low.

“That’s just me putting on the work off track. Of course, as much as you see the on-track actions during race weekends and testing and qualifying, the prep is beforehand,”

she explained.

“And that means consistency in training and eating habits and the discipline to show up every single day, even when you’re sore and tired and mentally defeated.”

Looking Ahead: Ambitions for the Current Season and Beyond

Now gaining momentum in the latter half of the season, Bustamante is focused on improving her standings, targeting consistent finishes within the top 10 or even the top five, with an eye on the podium in future races. She expressed optimism about continuing to develop her skills in GB3 next year.

I feel like I’m in such a better momentum now to focus on the second half of the season. Obviously, looking forward to the next year as well, we want to continue in this level and continue developing. We’ve still got a long road ahead. I want to be back again next year, fighting for top 10, top five, even podiums.

— Bianca Bustamante, Driver

Impact of F1 Academy on Career Growth and Future Goals

Bustamante completed both the 2023 and 2024 F1 Academy seasons in seventh place, recognizing that her experience there was vital for her overall growth as a driver. The platform provided opportunities for building industry connections and sharpening her competitive edges both on and off the track.

F1 Academy has taught me the value of hard work,

she said.

I made the most out of my two years in the championship with marketing, on track, off track, building connections, and that’s allowed me to then move up in my career and be in GB3.

— Bianca Bustamante, Driver

Bustamante also reflected on the deeper meaning of success beyond winning titles. Her drive comes from finding joy in racing even during difficult moments, which she believes is essential to pushing forward in her career.

I wouldn’t be a driver if I didn’t say I want to win the championship. For me, success… If you ask Bianca, not as a driver, it’s probably to just find joy in whatever I do and find joy even when I’m going through the rough moments. Because I know that’s the only way I can strive forward.

— Bianca Bustamante, Driver