Yevan David approaches the 2026 season determined to build on the momentum of an impressive 2025. The 18-year-old finished second in the Euroformula Open Championship with six victories and 14 podiums, underlining his consistency and race-winning capability. Now, he graduates to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with AIX Racing, ready to compete on the Formula 1 support bill for the first time.
The beginning of a new chapter for David as he takes on 2026 F3 challenge
Pre-season testing in Barcelona marked the beginning of that next chapter, as David immersed himself in the F3 paddock and prepared for a campaign that will place him alongside the sport’s biggest stage.
“I can’t express how excited I am,” said David to Formula 3. “Honestly, just being in the F3 paddock, near the F1 paddock, and racing on F1 weekends is going to be a pleasure.
The opportunity to race on the same weekends as Formula 1 adds further motivation and perspective for the Sri Lankan driver. However, despite the magnitude of the step, David remains grounded and appreciative of his journey so far.
“Sharing the track with people like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Honestly, it sounds crazy to say, I don’t think it’s hit me yet, it’s just a surreal feeling. It just feels really nice. I’m very happy with how things are going with my career, with my life. I’m just very excited for all of it.”
Intensive winter programme strengthens confidence ahead of F3 debut
David has left little to chance in his preparation for F3. He completed three post-season tests in Jerez, Barcelona and Imola to familiarise himself further with the car and procedures. In addition, he travelled to New Zealand to compete in the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT), ensuring he maintained race sharpness ahead of the opening rounds in Melbourne and Sakhir.
That structured winter has reinforced his self-belief and strengthened the bond within his inner circle.
“I’m confident to the point where I have the belief in myself and the belief in my team,” he explained. “What’s really helped me is that my inner circle, with my manager and my coach, we ironed out things and worked on things together that will help us for the season. For example, being super clear on communication, what we need from each other, what we don’t need, and I’m glad that we’ve been through that phase in New Zealand to learn that, because we don’t have to learn that in Melbourne or Bahrain.
As a result, David believes he and his team arrive at the season opener with valuable groundwork already complete.
“We’re one step ahead now, so just on that side, it’s a huge help. Also keeping sharp with the racing, the overtaking and especially the qualifying execution, because that’s going to be a big thing this year. It was a huge help from New Zealand.”
Historic milestone fuels national support as Davi becomes first Sri Lankan driver to debut in F3
In 2026, David will become the first Sri Lankan driver to compete in F3. That landmark achievement has already sparked visible backing from fans. During his stint in New Zealand, supporters created a memorable atmosphere at the circuit. In particular, the presence of traditional cricket music at a race track marked a unique cultural moment for the young driver.
“In New Zealand, I did not expect anyone to come,” said David. “They ended up bringing a band called The Papare, which is what you usually hear at cricket events. So it’s a specific band and they play a specific music, and it was the first time it was played at a racetrack. So that was a great feeling.
Looking ahead to Melbourne, he expects even stronger support from the Sri Lankan community, with family ties and already-organised events already adding to that sense of occasion across the opening weekend of the 2026 F3 Championship.
“I hope they bring it this year. Also everyone knows I’m coming to Melbourne, and Melbourne is like the mini-Sri Lanka. I have three extended families there. I’m having a meet and greet and some things leading up to the race weekend that I will be posting about in Melbourne. But the point is, there will be loads of Sri Lankan fans. The Sri Lankan meet and greet, there’s going to be a huge community coming. So I hope everyone’s excited for it.”
David “leaving no stone unturned” in pursuit of performance as he takes on 2026 F3 rookie campaign
While the external excitement builds, David continues to focus on the details that shape performance. He structures his daily routine around incremental improvements, from physical preparation to technical study.
“I’m leaving no stone unturned,” he said. “What I mean by that is, let’s say I’m finishing this website interview, and before dinner, I need to stretch. In the morning tomorrow, I have to go over my reports.
He extends that discipline into circuit preparation and qualifying execution, areas that often define success in F3’s tightly packed field.
“In the evening, I have to memorise the brake points. My point is, I am doing every little thing possible that will help me in racing and in winning the championship.
At the same time, he accepts that outcomes may not always align perfectly with effort, yet he refuses to compromise on commitment.
“Even with doing everything, if things don’t go our way, at least the intention was we worked 100 percent, and then we learn from it. So it’s going to be about leaving no stone unturned.”
Process first, ambitions clear
Although David openly acknowledges his ultimate aspirations, he consciously avoids becoming consumed by distant targets. Instead, he anchors his mindset in process and daily execution.
“There’s no specific goal, because then you start mending to that goal, at least for me,” he said. “For me, obviously the goal is to win the championship and to win in Formula 1 in the coming years.
He believes consistent dedication to preparation and performance will naturally move him closer to those ambitions.
“But what gets there is doing absolutely as much work as possible and focusing on the process. So for me, it’s doing whatever possible with the intention of reaching that goal.”
With preparation complete and belief firmly established, David now turns his full attention to delivering when his rookie F3 season begins.
