AIX Racing has confirmed that American driver Brad Benavides will remain with the team for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season, completing the outfit’s F3 roster. He joins Fernando Barrichello, who made his debut in the Monza finale last year, and Sri Lankan racer Yevan David, both of whom were previously announced. Together, the trio forms a balanced line-up blending experience and fresh talent.
From setbacks to resurgence
Although Benavides endured a turbulent path back to F3, his determination has been evident throughout. After competing in F3 in 2022 and enduring a difficult year in Formula 2, he rebuilt his reputation by dominating the 2024 Euroformula Open Championship. Across that campaign, he secured 19 podiums—including nine victories—and sealed the title with authority. Consequently, his success prompted AIX Racing to draft him back into their 2025 squad.
A seat in flux during 2025
Initially, the team faced instability in its driver line-up. Nikita Bedrin impressed at the Melbourne opener, collecting sixth in the Sprint and fourth in the Feature, before unexpectedly departing to focus on Formula Regional. Freddie Slater then stepped in for Bahrain, claiming a stunning P2 in the Sprint. Nevertheless, with Slater also prioritising FRECA, AIX Racing required a long-term replacement. At that point, AIX Racing brought Benavides in from Round 3 onwards, with him piloting Car 28.
Finding form on his return
Once back in F3, Benavides gradually found his rhythm. For instance, he qualified P2 in Spielberg and collected his first points since returning by finishing ninth in the Feature Race. Later, he took pole position at Spa-Francorchamps, underlining his pace and potential despite the cancelled Feature Race. Even so, he carried the momentum into the Monza finale, where he claimed another pole before achieving his career-best F3 finish with P4 in the Feature.
As a result, Benavides ended the 2025 season with 18 points and 20th in the standings—one point ahead of Bedrin, who had started the season strongly. More importantly, he emerged as the highest-scoring AIX Racing driver, confirming his value to the squad.
Benavides grateful and Kirwin proud
Reflecting on his renewed opportunity, Benavides expressed gratitude and determination. He said: “Can’t thank AIX enough for their continued support. Can’t thank God enough for not giving up on me/my love for racing. One truth is reality, and another truth is that dreaming is always worth it. With only Love, BB.”
Meanwhile, AIX Racing Team Manager Kenny Kirwin emphasised the importance of retaining the American talent. He noted: “Very proud to close off our driver line-up for 2026 and to do so with Brad is the cherry on top! Brad brings to the team many fine qualities as a driver and is a real team player who has supported his team mates previously and has a very strong work ethic. I’m stoked to have him as my brother again for another season and look forward to working hard over the winter together to convert that qualifying pace that we know Brad can deliver into a strong and consistent race performance as we all witnessed in Monza.”
Looking ahead to 2026
With Benavides now confirmed alongside Fernando Barrichello and Yevan David, AIX Racing enters the 2026 campaign with stability and renewed ambition. Given Benavides’ proven ability to deliver pole positions and fight at the front, the team now hopes to convert that one-lap pace into consistent points and podium finishes across the season.
