Filipina racing prodigy Bianca Bustamante, 19, has secured a prestigious spot on SportsPro Media and NorthStar Solutions Group’s 2024 list of the top 150 Most Marketable Athletes in the world. She shares the limelight with global icons like Simone Biles, LeBron James, and Lionel Messi.
The ranking, which evaluated athletes using criteria such as brand strength, audience reach, and economic impact, placed Bustamante at 64th with an impressive overall marketability score of 55.14. The breakdown included a brand strength score of 14.97, total addressable market score of 15.89, and an economic score of 24.28.
Bustamante’s popularity is reflected in her strong social media presence, boasting over 3 million followers. This makes her the most followed female junior driver and the second-most marketable teenager, following only 17-year-old soccer sensation Lamine Yamal.
Representing McLaren Racing, Bustamante also serves as an ambassador for Google Chrome and Pixel, Cisco, Logitech G, and EA Sports, among others. Her partnerships for 2024 include major brands such as Pirelli, Sephora, and Qatar Airways.
Expressing her gratitude on Instagram, Bustamante called the recognition “surreal and humbling.” She reflected on her journey from childhood aspirations to her current standing, emphasizing the relentless effort and support that propelled her career. “It’s beautiful to see that hard work can turn into results,” she wrote, thanking her sponsors, media supporters, and fans.
Bustamante’s achievement places her among notable motorsport athletes like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc, highlighting her growing influence in the global racing scene.
