Bianca Bustamante continues to break barriers in motorsport, bringing pride and excitement to the Philippines. At just 19, she’s not only made history as the first Filipino sports personality to be recognized on the global stage but has now also carved her name among the world’s most marketable athletes.
This remarkable achievement places her in an elite circle that includes icons such as gymnast Simone Biles, basketball legend LeBron James, and football superstar Lionel Messi. Her place on the prestigious SportsPro Media and NorthStar Solutions Group's 2024 list of the top 150 Marketable Athletes in the world is a testament to her extraordinary talent, resilience, and rising influence in the world of sports.
Bianca’s motorsport journey has been impressive. She began her racing career as a young girl with the dream of one day driving in Formula cars. Through years of determination and hard work, she overcame the financial and competitive hurdles that initially seemed insurmountable.
Today, she not only drives Formula cars but is also the first female driver to be signed by the McLaren Driver Development Programme. As her influence grows, so does her fanbase, with over 3 million followers across various social media platforms. This following makes her the most-followed female junior driver globally and second only to Barcelona’s teenage football star, Lamine Yamal, as the most marketable teenager worldwide.
SportsPro uses a detailed scoring system to evaluate athletes’ marketability, factoring in brand strength, total addressable market, and economics. Each athlete is assessed on their authenticity, performance, and fan engagement.
Bustamante’s impressive scores—14.97 for brand strength, 15.89 for total addressable market, and 24.28 for economics—gave her a total marketability score of 55.14, placing her 64th overall. This score places her in the company of the world’s most celebrated and influential athletes, underscoring her rising prominence and widespread appeal.
At just 19, Filipina F1 Academy driver Bianca Bustamante has ranked 64th on the 2024 list of the world’s most marketable athletes. 🌍
— Init Esports (@init_esports) November 11, 2024
As one of the youngest and drivers on the list, she stands alongside F1 icons like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. pic.twitter.com/x8gLvgnNI3
Her placement on this list also highlights the potential for Asian athletes, particularly Filipinos, to make a significant impact on the global sports stage. Bustamante’s achievement sets a strong example for aspiring athletes from Asia, demonstrating that with skill, perseverance, and the right support, they too can achieve international recognition.
Following the announcement, Bustamante shared her gratitude in an emotional post on Instagram, calling the recognition “surreal and humbling.” Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the countless individuals who supported her along the way—fans, sponsors, and partners alike. She wrote:
"When I started racing as a young kid, I only hoped to be able to drive in formula cars one day. It didn’t seem to be a reality because of the funds needed to compete, but we worked relentlessly trying to develop my driving, and build a name and place in motorsport. I just couldn’t take no for an answer. Step by step we slowly climbed the ladder, and along the way I have met so many people who have joined me on this journey."
Her story is one of resilience and gratitude, as she continues to push her limits and inspire others, particularly women and young athletes. Bustamante’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that hard work and a supportive network can have on achieving one’s dreams.
Bianca Bustamante’s marketability has attracted a number of prestigious sponsorships, making her an ambassador for top brands such as McLaren Racing, Google Chrome and Google Pixel, Cisco, Logitech G, EA Sports, Lance East Exotics, Bell Helmets, and Quadrant. These endorsements showcase her wide appeal, with brands recognizing her ability to connect with a diverse and enthusiastic audience. Her partnerships also point to the commercial potential of female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports like motorsport.
As an ambassador for McLaren Racing, one of the most respected names in Formula racing, Bustamante represents not only the future of motorsport but also the power of brand partnerships in supporting athletic talent. With each new partnership, Bustamante’s influence grows, extending her reach beyond racing and into the broader worlds of technology, gaming, and lifestyle.
As a pioneer in her field, Bianca Bustamante is a role model for young Filipinos and athletes worldwide. Her success is a milestone for Filipino sports, as she continues to prove that Filipino athletes can excel on the world stage in diverse sports arenas. Her journey symbolizes the growth of global sports culture, where talent from all corners of the world can now receive recognition and make an impact.
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With OKBet, fans can immerse themselves in the world of online sports betting, placing wagers on their favorite athletes and teams. OKBet offers a unique way to engage with sports, providing real-time updates, expert insights, and betting options on sports events worldwide. As Bustamante’s influence continues to grow, fans can turn to OKBet to bet on major sports events featuring her and other world-renowned athletes.
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