Speaking to The Sun, Daily Mirror
At just eighteen, Yevan David has become a name that stirs pride in every Sri Lankan heart. Born in London to Sri-Lankan parents, he now races shoulder-to-shoulder with Europe’s finest on some of the world’s most legendary circuits, carrying not only extraordinary talent, but also the hopes of an entire nation. His recent signing with AIX Racing to compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season marks a historic milestone: no Sri Lankan has ever before lined up in one of the most fiercely contested junior championships in the world. Yevan’s rise has been swift yet deliberate, shaped by raw skill, relentless focus, and an unshakable pride in the flag he represents.
His debut at Portimão was nothing short of sensational, two victories, a podium finish, and the record as the first Sri Lankan to achieve such a feat in the Euroformula Open. He left that weekend with six trophies in hand, but more importantly, he left having carved Sri Lanka’s name onto the global motorsport map. Since then, he has continued to impress, from the sweeping corners of Spa-Francorchamps to the rain-soaked intensity of Hockenheim. In Belgium, he crossed the finish line just 0.07 seconds ahead of his rival as the Sri Lankan national anthem echoed around the circuit. These are more than race wins; they are moments of national pride for a country that has long awaited a sporting hero to rally behind.
Back home, his ascent has been met with celebration, even at the highest levels of government. The Prime Minister publicly congratulated Yevan, recognising him as Sri Lanka’s first true Formula 1 hopeful. Yet beyond the titles and headlines, what makes Yevan so inspiring is the humility and heart he brings to his journey. “I feel so proud to be supporting myself and to have an entire country behind me. It’s not pressure; it’s motivation,” he says. Every word reflects gratitude, maturity, and purpose well beyond his years. As Sri Lankans, we don’t just see a young driver; we see a dreamer who shows us what is possible. In a world where representation matters, Yevan’s place on that starting grid tells children across the island that they, too, belong in spaces once thought out of reach. When asked about his legacy, he reflects: “If people think I’m a role model, then my legacy is going to mean everything to everyone, but most of all, it will mean the most to me.” As a writer, and as part of a community proud to see the Sri Lankan flag flying on international soil, I believe Yevan David offers something rare and powerful: hope. For the young and the old, for dreamers and believers, he reminds us all that greatness can, and does, come from home.
Q As a Sri Lankan competing on elite European circuits, do you ever feel the weight of representing more than just yourself? How do you carry that responsibility on and off the track?
As a Sri Lankan, I feel so proud to be supporting myself and to have an entire country behind me. I don’t see it as pressure at all. It’s actually a source of motivation, knowing that my country has my back and is willing to support me through my journey and passion. I couldn’t be more grateful.
Q Have there been moments where your cultural background caught your team, competitors, or fans by surprise, whether in a positive or challenging way?
It still happens to this day and quite often. A lot of people in Europe and around the world are surprised to see a driver from Sri Lanka. There aren’t many from there, and not many people know about Sri Lankan athletes or international professionals from our country. But we’re growing. There are more Sri Lankans stepping into sports and the global workforce, and the name Sri Lanka is becoming more recognized. It’s beautiful to see that happening. People are usually surprised in a very positive way.
Q When you’re on the starting grid, inches away from some of Europe’s most elite drivers, what do you tell yourself in that moment of silence before the chaos begins?
Before the race, inches away from my competitors, I remind myself that this is the reason I started. This adrenaline rush is the feeling that makes it all worth it. Knowing I’m racing with the best in the world excites me more than anything else. It doesn’t scare me; it drives me to perform even better.
Q Speed and reaction time often dominate the spotlight. What’s a lesser-known technical detail or strategy that you believe gives you a real edge on race day?
A lesser-known detail I’ve worked on, which I’ve also spoken about at TEDx, is meditation. It’s not just about visualizing or being spiritually confident, it’s about relaxing and being at peace with every decision I make. When there’s no fear or doubt behind each action, that calmness and stillness help me focus. It keeps me from overthinking or being afraid of failure.
Q You’ve raced on legendary tracks like Spa and Monza. Can you describe a specific turn or stretch that changed your entire understanding of what it means to be a race car driver?
Racing at Spa and Monza is absolutely incredible. One turn that really stands out is the famous corner at Spa Eau Rouge. It’s beautiful. It’s not just an easy flat-out corner; it’s still very demanding. Racing up that hill, with a full tow and slipstream, pulling up and overtaking someone, it’s such a thrilling experience. That track and that corner have really deepened my appreciation for the sport.
Q What’s something about you that fans wouldn’t expect to hear, maybe a surprising hobby, habit, or interest outside the world of motorsports?
Outside of motorsport, my biggest hobbies are basketball and Lego. I follow the NBA closely and love playing basketball. I also have a huge Lego collection, mostly cars and Star Wars. Star Wars is one of my biggest passions. So yeah, there are quite a few things I enjoy outside of racing.
Q At this stage in your journey, what does the word ‘legacy’ mean to you? Are you already thinking about the impact you want to leave behind?
At this stage in my journey, legacy does mean something to me. It’s about how people will look up to me and remember me. If people see me as a role model, that means everything. My legacy won’t just be for others, it will mean the most to me. I want to build something meaningful that inspires others.
Q If you were mentoring a young Sri Lankan karting hopeful, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give that no coach or textbook ever taught you?
The one piece of advice I’d give is to have fun. Let your passion fuel the hard work. Enjoy the process. You started because you loved it, you wanted to win, to push through the tough times, to feel the thrill of driving and being the fastest. It’s all part of it. You can absolutely do it, you just have to believe in yourself.
Q Back home, you’re not just racing for trophies, you’re racing for a nation that’s behind you every step of the way. How has the support from Sri Lanka influenced your personal growth and professional drive?
The support from Sri Lanka, especially over the last few years, has been immense. I can’t explain how much it has fueled me, every rep in the gym, every corner I take, and even during tough race weekends. That support is always there to lift me back up. It’s become a part of my personality. I race, win, lose, and come back stronger because of the strength I draw from the people back home.
Q Yevan, becoming the first-ever Sri Lankan to secure a seat in FIA Formula 3 is a monumental achievement, what’s your game plan going into the season, and how are you hoping to approach it?
My game plan for the season is simple, do the absolute best I can and execute to the highest standard I’m capable of. For me, it’s all about focusing on the process: putting in the work at every training session, perfecting every corner, nailing every lap. If I stay committed to those details, the results will come, the goals will be achieved, and we’ll see where that takes us in the future.
