- In conversation with a 17-year old racing prodigy
At an event held in Colombo recently to share the story of Yevan David, the island nation’s trailblazing Formula 3 racer, internationally renowned race commentator Jake Sanson, who has been setting the stage for a deeper dive into Yevan’s transformative journey, introduced Yevan as “The man destined to bring Sri Lanka to Formula 1”.
Yevan, a 17-year-old motorsport prodigy, is a rising star in the global racing world. In October 2024, he made history as the first Sri Lankan to win a race in the prestigious Euroformula Open Championship at ‘Autodromo Nazionale di Monza’ in Monza, Italy, showcasing his skill and resilience in challenging wet conditions against top competitors. Yevan’s journey began with karting, earning international recognition in 2022 with a silver medal at the FIA Motorsport Games, paving the way for his transition to formula racing.
His groundbreaking victory at Monza this year highlighted his adaptability and talent and brought global attention to Sri Lankan motorsport, inspiring drivers from underrepresented countries. With his sights set on Formula 1, Yevan’s rapid rise and exceptional achievements affirm his status as one of the brightest young talents in motorsport today.
Yevan is fondly known as the ‘Bat’ in the racing circles.
Let’s drive into the racing life of Yevan who is dubbed as Sri Lanka's greatest hope in the motorsport arena.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
You became the first Sri Lankan to win a race in the Euro Formula in Italy. Tell us about that and how do you feel to be in the epicentre of motorsport in Sri Lanka.
It's incredible having all the support and all the confidence in me to progress in this sport. And my goal is obviously to reach Formula One. So to be progressing the last 10 years and obviously growing with fans and everything around it, It's just incredible to have the support and know that they have my back. So I'm really looking forward to the next few years obviously. I was in Formula 4 this year. I’m looking forward to progressing in the next few years.
At just 17, racing at F3 and looking forward to the future for F1, how does it feel to be in the middle of all this? And do you think you can be the first Sri Lankan to make it to the F1?
Absolutely. My goal for all these years and since I started racing was to reach Formula One. Obviously, I'm enjoying the process so far and I'm enjoying reaching my goal. Right now I'm in European F3, as you said. And although there are not a lot of Sri Lankan F1 fans that know about Formula 3, they still support me and they still watch all the races. So I have to say a massive thank you to them, and it's definitely believable that we can reach Formula One very soon.
When will be you racing next and what is your next biggest target and goal?
My next goal is to win the next championship that I race in. But more than that, to grow as a driver and character. My main goal is never on results and only on process. So, looking forward to a lot more wins and a lot more races next year.
Yevan, who is Sri Lanka’s first multiple-race winner in an F3 category, captivated us with his story of perseverance, ambition, and the life-changing power of racing. Reflecting on his recent victory at Monza, Yevan commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be here in Sri Lanka and deeply grateful for the incredible support from everyone. It’s an honour to represent the nation as I strive to take our flag to the pinnacle of motorsport…”
Our readers would love to know about how you stepped into the world of racing, tell us about the beginnings of your motorsporting journey?
I started at a very young age at six years old at Bandaragama for the first time. I was a little kid and I don't think I could even reach the pedals. But it started from there. I was living in Singapore, so we went back there, bought a go-kart and started practising every single weekend. There was a lot of thought and consideration that me and my family had to go through because obviously it's not a very easy sport to get into. It's not even an easy sport to do well in. But my dad and my family saw the potential that I had. We started racing in 2015 and that's how my journey started.
What is your message to the youth of our country as a Sri Lankan teenager who is striving hard to take Sri Lanka to the next level?
My one message to all the youngsters out there is if you have the passion to do what you want, do it. Because I believe 100 percent that you can make your dream come true.
We hope Yevan David will make it to the next level and create history one day as the first Sri Lankan F1 racer and take Sri Lanka to the zenith in world racing.
Highlighting the importance of preparation, Yevan’s Fitness Coach, Alex Stott, shared his expertise on the physical and mental conditioning required to excel in motorsport. “The dedication, talent and work ethic Yevan displays is truly once in a generation. What I have seen and continue to see with Yevan sets him apart and above even the drivers I have previously worked with who have gone all the way to F1,” Stott noted.
Yevan’s Manager, Horia Totu provided an insightful behind-the-scenes perspective, detailing the highs and challenges of his debut year in cars. Speaking on Yevan’s potential, Totu remarked: “Given the enormous progression and talent that we have seen this year, the sky is the limit for Yevan.”
Take Pic 3
Caption: Yevan David’s Int’l PR & Comms Manager Andy Stobart
The Daily Morning Sports also spoke to Andy Stobart - International PR and Communications Manager for Yevan David
Andy has worked with a lot of legends behind the scenes in the world of Motorsports, such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Valentino Rossi and many prominent racers. He is a seasoned motorsport communications professional with over 20 years of experience, has covered 200+ Formula 1 Grands Prix, 100 MotoGPs, and events like Le Mans. He has worked with abovementioned legends through roles at Bridgestone, Lotus, Renault, PETRONAS Yamaha, and Hyundai.
At Lotus F1 Team, he pioneered a social media strategy that remains influential in Formula 1 today. As a former Head of Communications in Formula 1, MotoGP, and WRC, Andy brings unparalleled expertise, strategic insight, and a vast global network to Yevan's team.
Andy, you have been working with big guns in Formula One and the world of motorsport. What do you think Yevan David of Sri Lanka can bring in and what do you think that you can give Yevan to make it to the next level?
Well, looking at Yevan and we've got to remember he's only 17 years old at the moment. He's got so much potential, so much talent and his aptitude and his application, how he is taking about and looking at the career and the progression. He demonstrates so many characteristics that we see in all those great names you've mentioned. So as a prospect for the future, we've seen the results on track, we've seen how he is training, we've seen how he's preparing. He really, really is a great prospect for Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan businesses, and people to get behind and support on this journey.
On a final note Andy, why did you think that Yevan will be a good prospect to work with? How is it working with a teenager?
Yeah, in actual fact I do work with a few young drivers and riders as well and you get a feeling and you can see the ones who really apply themselves and put all the building blocks in. Yevan is absolutely the complete package. We've seen no flaws at all, every element is there. So if he keeps working hard and gets support, there's no reason why he can't get to the very top.