When the FIA Formula 3 season begins in Melbourne in 2026, Sri Lanka will have its flag represented for the first time, with Yevan David joining the F3 grid for AIX Racing. As the first Sri Lankan to compete in the series, David not only carries his own aspirations but also the hopes of a nation. Reflecting on his journey, the young driver shared his thoughts on representing Sri Lanka, the lessons he has learned, and his preparations for the upcoming season during a pre-season press conference attended by Pit Debrief.
David to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage in 2026 F3 debut season with AIX Racing
For David, racing under the Sri Lankan flag is a deeply meaningful opportunity. It’s not just about personal success but also about paving the way for future generations of Sri Lankan motorsport enthusiasts. As he prepares for his debut season in F3, the pride of representing his country is clear.
“Honestly, it’s a huge honour, because to be representing Sri Lanka and South Asians, is incredible,” David remarked.
The significance of this moment goes beyond the individual level, as David acknowledged the responsibility of being a representative for a relatively small motorsport community. He underlined the historic nature of his entry into F3, with the Sri Lankan flag making its first appearance in the prestigious competition which has shaped many drivers’ journey to the top tiers of motorsport, including Formula 1.
“I always dreamed of racing in F3 or just racing in F1 weekends and see the Sri Lankan flag on the car. And the fact that that’s going to happen for the first time in Melbourne is really, really cool.”
A journey shaped by strong support from home
David’s enthusiastic fanbase in Sri Lanka has supported his journey to F3. The young driver understands that he is not just racing for himself, but also for the many who have followed his career and supported his ambitions from the start.
“Honestly, it’s such great pride not to just do what I love, which is racing that I’ve been doing the last few years, but to do it for Sri Lanka as well,” David said, recognising the emotional connection between his passion for motorsport and the people cheering for him.
“I have so many supporters and just undying passion from them and from myself for the same goal of being the first Sri Lankan to reach Formula 1 is just incredible to see. And I hope that we can build on such a great atmosphere and community this year.”
His words reflect the shared dream of becoming the first Sri Lankan in F1 — a goal that not only fuels his drive but also unites his supporters behind him. David is eager to foster a positive environment for the sport in Sri Lanka and to inspire the next generation of drivers.
David on preparing for the 2026 F3 season and learning from AIX teammate Benavides
As David prepares for the challenges of his rookie F3 season, he is fortunate to have an experienced teammate in Brad Benavides. Benavides, the most seasoned member of the three-man AIX Racing line-up, which also includes Fernando ‘Fefo’ Barrichello, has already made a strong impression on David, who has benefited from his teammate’s insights. In response to a question from Pit Debrief, David reflected on Benavides’ influence and the importance of teamwork in motorsport, especially at the junior level.
“Yeah, so obviously Brad is a very experienced teammate. We’ve been teammates before F3, so we know each other quite well. I’ve learned a lot from him through the post-season testing and pre-season testing so far. Just things like race runs with tyre management in F3 is very important. So having these little things to learn and also, he’s willing to give the information is very helpful and it’s very helpful for the three of us to move forward as a team.”
Preparing for Melbourne and the season ahead
With only a few weeks left before the season opener in Melbourne, David and the AIX Racing team are in the final stages of their preparations. While there are still some unknowns — especially regarding the unfamiliar Melbourne circuit — David is confident in his readiness to adapt and face the challenge head-on. The track’s unfamiliarity presents a challenge, but David and the team focus on getting up to speed quickly.
“Yeah, after the preseason testing, we’re feeling more ready than ever. We still have two or three weeks before Melbourne to prepare. And as Fefo [Barrichello] said, we want to be on top of adapting because we’ve never been to Melbourne. Just having those laps on the simulator, doing the hard work within these next few weeks to prepare and then setting a good tone in Melbourne.”
David aiming to set a positive tone for his 2026 F3 rookie season with AIX Racing
David’s approach to the start of his F3 career is not focused solely on results, but rather on setting a positive foundation for the season. While there’s undoubtedly pressure to perform, he understands that the first race will be a learning experience and an opportunity to establish momentum for the year.
“The main thing I’m going to be focusing on is having a positive weekend in Melbourne, not in terms of results, but even if things don’t go our way, we understand that it’s a learning process. It’s the first weekend things happen and we set that positive tone for the season.”
The importance of early and sustained momentum in F3
The importance of momentum in a racing season is never underestimated, and David is aware of how crucial it is to start strong. However, he also knows that adapting to each new circuit will be vital to his success.
“I feel like one of the main things in a season is having that momentum from the start. And we’ve had a lot of hard work over the winter, and we just have two or three weeks more. So just having that good start to the season and then off to Bahrain would be really key and mainly adapting to Melbourne.”
His focus on establishing a good start to the season and adapting quickly to the Melbourne track will be key in setting the stage for the races to come.
As David prepares for his rookie season in F3, he carries with him not just his personal ambitions but also the dreams of a nation. With the support of his team, his experienced teammates, and his loyal supporters, David is focused on building a positive foundation for his career. As the season kicks off in Melbourne, his goal is clear: adapt quickly, set the tone for the season, and ultimately build the momentum needed for future success in F3 and beyond.
