Bianca Bustamante makes her Netflix debut in ‘F1: The Academy’
Bianca Bustamante | Photo from racerbia/Instagram
Filipino American race car driver Bianca Bustamante is sprinting once again, this time not just on the track, but on the screen.
The 20-year-old McLaren Development Programme driver is among the rising stars featured in “F1: The Academy,” a brand-new Netflix docuseries that lifts the curtain on the world of women in motorsport. Produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, the series officially premieres on May 28.
The first Filipina signed by McLaren is not just chasing podiums as she’s racing toward a larger purpose, which is to represent her country and inspire the next generation of motorsport hopefuls in the Philippines and beyond.
“I think the tan says it all, good morning Miami!! Such a huge day for us!! Our @netflix F1: Academy show finally premiering tonight AAAAAA whatttaa feeling. Can’t wait for the whole world to see it,” she wrote in an Instagram post ahead of the US premiere.
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The red carpet in Miami saw Bustamante glammed up but grounded in gratitude.
“Just a girl in a red dress making her red carpet debut, experiencing one of little Bia’s dream rn,” she shared.
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Reflecting on the experience of watching the show for the first time, she added, “Having lived the episode, the whole show, and now watching it on the big screen for the first time – it’s surreal. This little life really has grown so much and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to watch it.”
The documentary dives deep into the emotional and physical journey of female racers competing in a male-dominated sport. Bustamante noted that the team “poured so much heart into this documentary” and showed “so much vulnerability,” describing the project as a “huge leap of faith.”
In the days leading up to the premiere, Bustamante also made time to collaborate with brands and reconnect with fans at the Miami Grand Prix. “It’s been a whirlwind,” she said, calling her time in Miami “lovely.”
With her grit, grace and growing global presence, Bustamante proves that representation in motorsport isn’t just possible as it’s already happening. And now, through Netflix’s lens, the rest of the world gets to see just how powerful that journey is.
