It’s nice to know that you’re already think of motivating the next generation and stepping up as a role model when you’re so young and could also be considered the next, up-and-coming generation.

BB: I do my best and funnily enough, I am racing against my role models like Jamie Chadwick and Emma Kimilainen—I’ve known them since I was a little girl and to be racing with them is honestly just mind blowing.

Who are some other role models that inspire you in what you do?

BB: I’ve always been a fan of [three-time F1 World Drivers’ Champion] Niki Lauda. I think he’s the perfect role model. He was very disciplined, he was fast and he had every characteristic that I think a champion needs to have in sport. I’ve always supported Niki, ever since I was young. Even before I was born, my whole family supported Niki so he’s definitely one of my role models.

In case you missed it: Editor’s Diary: Up Close and Personal with Ferrari and McLaren’s Formula 1 Drivers

How does it feel to be the first Southeast Asian driver in W Series and also competing in Southeast Asia?

BB: It is an honour and a great pride of mine to be the first Filipina and Southeast Asian in the W Series. I guess I’m paving the way for women and motorsport in Asia, because we don’t have many representatives. For girls to have someone to look up to in motorsport, I think that is my calling. Having that in my head just pushes me and motivates me so much. I inspire girls and they inspire me back in every way possible. 

As a young woman driver, what are some of the challenges that you face both on and off the track?

BB: Trying to manage everything at such a young age; trying to deal with pressure, stress, as well as managing studies, social life and everything else. I’ve had to make lots of sacrifices when I was younger, just so I could reach my Everest and reach my goals. But in the end it was all worth it because I was doing it for something I love.

How supportive is your family in your career? Do they also travel with you for races?

BB: Unfortunately, because we come from a very middle-class family, it’s a bit expensive travelling. So, I’ve had to go on my own this year and live on my own in America to pursue motorsport, which was a very tough decision. It’s difficult because my family is my pillar. They’re the reason why I’m here now. They’ve made sacrifices just so I can pursue my dream, and I’m very thankful for them because of that, and now I’m trying to repay it by making it to our goal. I feel like I’m not just accomplishing my dreams, but my parents’ dreams as well.

How do you keep yourself motivated in tough times?

BB: There are a lot of tough times. I think the first year, especially, is always going to be the toughest year because you’re learning so much and it’s very new. But I’ve always been religious and I always believe that God wouldn’t put me through something I can’t overcome. In tough situations like that I always ask for guidance, especially when I feel lost.

Mentally, we also have received a lot of support, like through sports psychologists, which has helped with my mental health and dealing with stress and pressure. A race weekend is very intense; we go through so much information and so many changes and it is also physically demanding, so having strong mental fortitude is key to be successful in racing.

What do you love most about what you do?

BB: Driving! I’ve always enjoyed driving itself. I love competing, I’ve always been competitive. Also, in motorsport, there is such a big team aspect—it takes a village to build a champion—and that’s one of the things I love about it. This is the W Series. I’m surrounded by empowering women on all levels, with female mechanics and female race engineers, and to be in that environment growing up and learning from them is honestly one of the best feelings ever. And that’s the reason why I honestly just love the environment in W Series. As a 17-year-old, I’m surrounded by lots of role models.

What are your goals for your career?

BB: I want to make it to Formula One. It’s always been my goal to make it to F1 or to the IndyCar Series. I know that it’s a bit tough, especially to be the first one in my generation. But I know that with lots of hard work, it’s possible and I’m only 17—there’s a long way to go. It’s only my first year and I just can’t imagine where I will be five years from now.

NOW READ

Lewis Hamilton Looks Cool in Kenzo and More Formula One Style Moments

How I’m Making It: Meet the Man Lighting Up the Formula One Night Race in Singapore

Lifelong Philanthropist Betty Chen on Lessons Learned in Life and Staying Young at Heart