Yevan David is hoping to bounce back from a difficult opening round of the 2026 FIA Formula 3 (F3) season, with the AIX Racing driver eager to start fighting further up the field once the championship returns in Monaco.
After finishing P22 in the Sprint Race and P21 in the Feature Race in Melbourne, David admitted the weekend was not where he or the team wanted to be. However, the long break between rounds has given both himself and AIX Racing the opportunity to reset ahead of the in-season test at the Red Bull Ring.
“It’s been good,” said David on the break. “Honestly for me, it’s quite nice to have this two-month break because after Melbourne we can really reset and fully prepare for Monaco.”
“Obviously everyone has that opportunity but for me I feel like it has been good to really reset before the restart. We got a taste of what it’s like to race and then reflect on it.”
The break between F3 rounds
Away from racing, David spent time focusing on school, training and spending time back home with family and friends, while also keeping his focus firmly on Monaco.
“The break itself has been good. I’ve been really focusing on my school, doing math, physics and psychology. I’ve really been focusing on that because I have a very numerical brain so I really like the maths and physics.”
“I’ve also been spending time with family and friends. I took a trip to Sri Lanka as well so it was nice to be home. Otherwise, I have just been focusing on Monaco.”
Looking back on Melbourne, David said the opening weekend became an important learning experience, despite the results not reflecting where he believes he and the team should be.
“Obviously, it’s not where I want to be. We were around the lower half of where we wanted to be, but I’d say it’s still a good learning experience.”
“I enjoyed the weekend fully and that’s the main thing. I was still very grateful for the opportunity and grateful for the lessons learnt. For me, I think I’m just very much focused now.”
“My goal is to win so that’s all that’s on my mind. Melbourne was a wake-up call to really get going and make some improvements as well. I think it was a difficult weekend for us but it’s clear what we can work on, so it’s clear where I need to improve and execute.”
Looking ahead to Monaco
The 18-year-old also highlighted how important the Spielberg in-season test will be, with teams and drivers returning to the track before a busy stretch of the calendar begins.
“We had to put everything in order and in place to win,” David explained. “Then we prepare for Monaco and lap execution.”
“Monaco is all about qualifying and of course the rest of the season will be in June, July and September. It’s very vital and everything is going to be put with 100%.”
The 2026 F3 Monaco Round will also mark David’s first time racing around the iconic street circuit, something he says he has already been thinking about constantly during the break.
“I honestly have been dreaming about Monaco. There’s been some nights where I think I drove the car in my sleep just dreaming about it.”
“I keep watching all these old races with Senna in the ‘80s and ‘90s winning there and it’s just bringing back so many childhood memories.”
“For me to be actually driving there for the first time, might not be in F1 yet but in F3 is still a huge milestone for me, so I’m very much looking forward to it.”
