Mari Boya is preparing to take the next step in his single-seater career, moving up to FIA Formula 2 with PREMA Racing for the 2026 season. The Spaniard enjoyed a standout Formula 3 campaign, finishing third in the Drivers’ Championship to establish himself as one of the category’s leading talents.
The Spaniard participated in post-season testing at Yas Marina and experienced his first time in an F2 car when he joined PREMA for the final two rounds. Speaking on the experience and the road ahead, Boya said:
“I am feeling good. My first time in the car, and my first impressions have been really good. I am enjoying a lot this time, doing the thing I like the most in my life, which is racing. I say that all the time, and now with a bigger car it is more fun.”
He added, “I am really proud, and thankful to all the people who have been helping me. It is going really well, we are testing many things, and we need to take all the positives. I am really excited, so let us see what 2026 brings.”
Stepping up to F2 and a new challenge with PREMA Racing in 2026
Boya completed his two Formula 2 outings with PREMA at Lusail and Yas Marina, using the opportunity to familiarise himself with both the team and the demands of the new category. Prior to his F2 move, the Aston Martin Driver Development Programme member spent two seasons in Formula 3 with Campos Racing, having made his rookie F3 debut with MP Motorsport.
Speaking about his early experiences with PREMA, Boya explained the value of gaining mileage ahead of his full-time campaign.
“One of the reasons I went to these rounds was to be better prepared for the tests and to know everyone a bit more. I think it’s really important and with the little mileage we do, we need to try to extract the maximum.
“It’s a new category, so it’s a big change, you work with more people, especially engineers, but the Italians are very similar to Spanish. They are nice, and I really like it, so let’s hope for a good 2026.”
Adapting to F2
Boya has already begun adjusting to the technical and operational differences that come with F2 machinery, highlighting several key changes from his time in F3.
“One of the biggest changes, the carbon brakes, you need to warm them, and when you cool down the tyre, you need to have the brakes ready, so it’s a big difference. In F3, you just focus on the tyres, here you need to focus on more things and also you have to adapt to the power of the car, the clutch, starts, and pitstops, everything is new but excited for it, and I feel I am ready.”
A strong foundation
The 2025 season marked Boya’s most successful year to date, as he finished third in the Formula 3 standings with 116 points. This represented a significant step forward compared to his previous championship finishes of 15th and 17th, underlining his steady development and growing confidence.
Reflecting on the mindset that helped drive his breakthrough season, Boya explained how he plans to carry the same approach into F2.
“Every round I was feeling more and more competitive,” said Boya. “I feel a lot happier in the car, I and I am enjoying my time a lot in the car. Since I have been working this way, things have been going well for me
“So I will continue to work this way to go further. My goal is to enjoy and when you enjoy things, normally they go well.”
