David set for FIA Formula 3 debut at Albert Park

Sri Lankan driver Yevan David is set to make his FIA Formula 3 race debut this weekend at Albert Park Circuit, as the 2026 season opens on the support bill of the Australian Grand Prix.

Racing with AIX Racing, David arrives in Melbourne following an intensive pre-season programme last month in Barcelona, where the focus centred on adaptation and maximising limited running in the new FIA F3 machinery.

For David, Albert Park carries both familiarity and significance.

“I’ve driven the layout so many times on the F1 game as a kid. It’ll be my first time driving it for real, which is pretty surreal. After driving it on the sim, I’m even more excited to get out there.”

The circuit’s 2023 revisions — which increased average speeds and improved overtaking opportunities — are a feature he is particularly looking forward to.

“I like the changes they made to make it more flowing. It’s got fast corners, four DRS zones, and plenty of overtaking. Turn six with the camber is really cool, and nine and ten are classics. When you get Turn One right, it’s a fun corner.”

Melbourne also represents a personal milestone. David last raced in the city in 2019 as a junior karter. Six years on, he returns as an FIA Formula 3 driver on a Formula 1 weekend.

“I left Melbourne in 2019 as a kid going into junior karting. To come back now racing in Formula 3 on an F1 weekend is a surreal feeling. I’ve dreamt of this moment because it’s the stepping stone to Formula 1.”

Preparation for the step up has extended beyond track time. The physical demands of the FIA F3 car — particularly braking forces — have required a step change in conditioning, while the mental approach has been sharpened deliberately over the winter.

“Physically, the F3 is demanding, especially on the brake pedal. Mentally, I’ve been making things tough off track so that when I get to the weekend it feels easier. I want qualifying laps to feel controlled and distraction-free.”

David acknowledges the depth of competition on the 2026 FIA Formula 3 grid, widely regarded as one of the most competitive junior championships in world motorsport.

“It’s a strong grid, as it always is in F3. That doesn’t mean everything will go to plan, but we’ll give 100 percent and learn from everything. The mentality doesn’t change whether you’re at the front or the back.”

His approach to the season opener is simple but deliberate.

“Treat it like your first race. Even if you’re winning, you approach it like you’ve got something to prove. No stone left unturned, no detail ignored.”

Melbourne will also see significant Sri Lankan support trackside, with members of the local community organising a meet-up in the build-up to the event.

“I’ve had huge support all winter. In New Zealand there were so many Sri Lankans supporting, and in Melbourne we organised a group-meet. I want to inspire not just Sri Lankans, but anyone watching, to carry that same mentality.”

With testing complete and analysis done, attention now shifts to execution.

“No matter what happens, I’ll enjoy my FIA Formula 3 race debut and appreciate it. It’s a big milestone, but the focus is delivering at the highest level.”

Yevan David’s racing is supported by Lion Beer 0%, Maliban, Dimo Group, Chingiz, Nations Trust Bank and the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC).