At just 18, Sri Lanka’s YEVAN DAVID is already one of the sharpest new names in global motorsport. We sat down with the young, rising star as he gears up for a 2026 F3 seat – putting him only two steps away from racing’s ultimate stage
Fresh from winning the Euroformula Open Rookie title and finishing second overall in his debut season in Europe, Yevan David is about to take another massive step – into FIA Formula 3. It’s a move that puts him squarely in the sights of F1 teams. FHM caught up with the young gun – born in London, raised in Singapore and with family in Melbourne – ahead of his first F3 campaign, which kicks off at next year’s Australian Grand Prix. We talked racing, resilience and why Vegemite probably won’t be making his pre-race breakfast list.
At the end of the 2025 season how do you look back on the journey so far?
I finished second in the Euroformula Open Championship, which was only my second year in cars. Before that, I’d been karting since 2015 – starting in Asia, then racing in Australia in 2018 and 2019. From 2020 onwards I was racing full-time in Europe in the FIA Karting European and World Championships. Then in 2024 I moved into Spanish F4, this year into Euroformula, and next year it’s F3. It’s been quite a ride, and each year’s just been a step closer to where I want to be.
What was the initial spark that got you into racing?
Honestly, just the love of driving fast. That’s how it started. Competing and winning fuelled it but so did travelling the world and seeing different tracks, different cars and different people. The whole atmosphere of motorsport hooked me early – and watching Formula 1 made me want to be part of it.
What’s been the toughest part of your career so far?
Probably the losses. Everyone wants to win, so when it doesn’t go your way, it can be hard. You learn over time that sometimes it’s not your fault, and the key is how you bounce back. The other challenge is the sacrifice – being away from family and friends for long stretches, missing normal stuff. You come home and have to catch up with everyone and school, too. Balancing life and racing is tough, but you get used to it as you grow up.
And your best win?
Monza, Race 3, 2025. That was the final race of the Euroformula season, and I won it to seal the Rookie title. Super fun weekend – the pace, the pressure, everything came together. It was the perfect way to finish the season.
What’s the appetite for F1 like back home in Sri Lanka?
It’s growing massively. People are getting into it because of Drive to Survive, but also because I’m racing abroad – which is amazing. Some people told me they started watching F1 because of me! That’s pretty surreal. The support from home is huge, and everyone wants to see one of their own make it to F1.
Who’s your Formula 1 idol?
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. They’re completely different but equally incredible. Max has that raw aggression, that “don’t care what happens, I’m here to win” energy. Lewis is the opposite – calculated, disciplined, hardworking, always ready to rise to the challenge. I’ve learned a lot from both.
What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you?
That nothing’s ever that deep. If you win or lose, it’s fine – you keep going. For me, you only fail if you don’t try. If you give everything and it doesn’t work out, that’s still success. That’s my mindset for life and racing.
FIA Formula 3 next – how tough are you expecting it to be?
Very tough. You’ve got 30 of the best young drivers in the world, all fighting for the same goal – F1. We’ll be racing at tracks I’ve never driven before like Monaco and Melbourne, and we only get 45 minutes of practice before qualifying. So, you have to be laser-focused from the first lap. If you drive at 99%, you’re losing positions. You’ve got to be at 100 all the time.”
How soon do you think you can be in Formula 1?
Three to four years. Definitely driving an F1 car in three. Probably one or two years in F3, then F2, then the final step. It’s close. I know it’s possible – you just have to keep proving yourself.
The F3 season starts in Australia. What’s your take on Melbourne and Albert Park?
Melbourne’s awesome. I raced there in karting and loved it, so coming back in F3 is going to be really special. It’s my first F3 race, and it’s happening on an F1 weekend – that’s something I’ll always remember. Albert Park looks great – fast, technical and a bit of everything. It’s a driver’s track.
What else do you want to do while you’re in Australia?
I’ve got family in Melbourne, so I’ll be catching up with them. And this time, I’ll do some sightseeing. When I was younger, it was all early nights and race prep – now I’ll actually get to explore a bit and see the city properly.
Melbourne’s a foodie paradise. What’s on your list?
Definitely some good steak. I’ve heard the food scene is amazing, so I’ll try a bit of everything. But not Vegemite – I’ve tried it, and it’s not for me.
What’s the goal now?
Keep improving. Keep learning. I’ve grown so much this season, as a driver and as a person. I’m ready for the next step. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and it’s only the beginning.
Interview by STEWART BELL
