Yevan for Monaco paying tribute to Senna

Yevan David full of confidence ahead of F3 Monaco 2026 

Yevan David will create another piece of history this weekend when he competes at Monaco for the first time as the FIA Formula 3 Championship returns following an extended break after the opening round of the season in Melbourne.

Driving for AIX Racing, David arrives refreshed and encouraged by a productive period away from racing that has included FIA Formula 3 testing at the Red Bull Ring, extensive simulator preparation and a renewed focus on both his racing programme and studies as he completes his A-Level examinations.

Monaco marks the beginning of a crucial phase of the FIA Formula 3 season, with a busy run of European events to follow through June and July.

“It’s been a long break away from racing in FIA F3, but I’ve been keeping busy with my school,” said David. “I’m finishing my A-levels this year, so I’ve been focusing on maths, physics and psychology, while also spending time in Sri Lanka with sponsors and supporters. 

“We then had the Red Bull Ring test, where we learned a lot and had a very positive few days before Monaco.”

Monaco is widely regarded as one of motorsport’s greatest challenges, demanding absolute precision, confidence and commitment around the narrow street circuit.

David has spent considerable time preparing for the event in the simulator and believes adaptability will be critical throughout the weekend.

“Monaco is one of those tracks where you can keep improving no matter how many laps you do,” David said. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the simulator preparing because confidence and precision are just as important as outright speed. The grip changes every lap because it’s a street circuit and the track evolution is huge. We don’t get many laps in practice, so you have to take in as much information as possible every time you go out.”

The unusual structure of this year’s FIA Formula 3 calendar has also given David an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned during his debut weekend in Melbourne and arrive in Monaco with a fresh perspective.

“The break has actually been beneficial,” he said. “I’ve had time to really analyse Melbourne, change my approach and work on areas where I needed to improve. Instead of immediately jumping into another race weekend, I’ve been able to reset, practice more and come back feeling fresh. I’m confident I’ve learned a lot and can hit the ground running.”

For David, Monaco also represents another milestone in a remarkable journey that has already seen him become the first Sri Lankan driver to compete in FIA Formula 3.

“To be the first Sri Lankan driver in FIA Formula 3 and now be racing in Monaco is something I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended,” he admitted. “Melbourne was incredibly special because it was my first Formula 1 weekend and now we’re going straight to Monaco, another huge milestone. 

The significance of the event has not been lost on the 18-year-old, who will race in Monaco wearing a special helmet in a tribute to Ayrton Senna, whose performances inspired generations of racing drivers around the world.

“Like so many drivers, Ayrton Senna was someone I looked up to growing up,” said David. “Monaco will always be associated with some of his greatest drives, so it felt like the right place to pay tribute to him with a special helmet design.”