Yevan David’s journey to motorsport’s pinnacle
Speaking to local press in Colombo to share his inspiring journey and ambitions, Yevan revealed his unwavering focus on reaching the pinnacle of motor racing—Formula 1—and his aspiration to join the legendary Ferrari team.
“When I started racing at six years old, it was just a dream. I looked up to Lewis Hamilton and started driving a go-kart. Over the years, that dream became more real. I began racing internationally, and this year, moving into cars was incredible. Formula 4 is very close to F3 and F2, which are even closer to F1. So every year, the dream has become more and more believable, and now I have a lot of self-belief. It only pushes me forward,” Yevan shared with Colombo’s reporters.
At the event where Yevan’s powerful support team was introduced and insights into his remarkable journey were shared, Jake Sanson, an internationally renowned race commentator, set the stage for a deeper dive into Yevan’s transformative journey, introducing him as “the man destined to bring Sri Lanka to Formula 1.”
Yevan, Sri Lanka’s first multiple-race winner in Formula 3, captivated the audience with his story of perseverance, ambition, and the life-changing power of racing. Reflecting on his recent victory at Monza with Team Motorpark, a team that has seen stars like Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas race for them, Yevan spoke before the Sri Lankan media for the first time.
“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,” he said, elaborating on his recent twin victories in Monza.
(From left) International Sports Commentator - Jake Sanson, Manager - Horia Totu, Sri Lanka’s first F3 Racer - Yevan David, Fitness Coach - Alex Stott and PR & Communications Manager - Andy Stobart.
“It was so special for me, because after such a tough season and all the hard work we put in, all the sacrifices we made, to get three podiums and two wins was incredible. There was no better feeling. At the end of the year, it really helped me finish the season on a high note,” he said about his wins in Monza during the final weekend of October.
Yevan’s management team, which includes Horia Totu as his Manager and Chief Executive Officer for Career Strategy and Contracts, Alex Scott as his Fitness Coach, Andy Stobart as his Global PR Manager, and Sanson, are key players in his ever-strengthening path to success.
17 year old, Yevan David - speaking at the press conference
“Given the immense progress and talent we’ve seen this year, the sky’s the limit for Yevan. He has all the qualities needed for an F1 driver, and his achievements in transitioning from karts to cars only show he’s ready for any challenge,” remarked Yevan’s Manager, Horia Totu.
“His dedication, talent, and work ethic are truly once-in-a-generation. What I’ve seen in Yevan, and continue to see, sets him apart even from the drivers I’ve previously worked with who’ve made it to F1,” noted Fitness Coach Alex Scott.
Yevan’s Global PR Manager, Andy Stobart, discussed the broader vision of boosting Sri Lanka’s presence in global motorsport. He highlighted the youngster’s rapidly growing online presence, media exposure, and results, positioning him to be an ambassador for Sri Lanka’s motorsport future.
“Even this press conference can be considered a learning curve for Yevan as he ascends to the next level in racing. He will face more reporters globally, and as a young driver, he’s already proven how smart and intelligent he is, not just as a racer,” Stobart added.
Yevan’s journey began with karting, earning international recognition in 2022 with a silver medal at the FIA Motorsport Games, which paved the way for his transition to Formula racing. His groundbreaking victory at Monza in 2024 underscored his adaptability and talent, bringing global attention to Sri Lankan motorsport and inspiring drivers from underrepresented countries. With his eyes set on Formula 1, Yevan’s rapid rise and exceptional achievements solidify his place as one of the brightest young talents in motorsport.
“After racing in Formula 4 this year, which is the first step into cars, I’ll be racing at the F3 level next year in Europe, though the plans are still unconfirmed. The calendar will be announced next year, so we can’t make any announcements yet. But it’s a step up in the ranks, and the race I did in Monza will be on the same level as what I’ll race next year. The years ahead will be F3 and F2, so there’s a lot to look forward to. We’re excited for the next chapter and to see how we can grow. Ultimately, the goal is F1,” Yevan stated firmly.
While paying tribute to his management team and his family, including his mother Roshika, father Yohan, biggest fan Nirmal Ranasinghe, maternal grandfather (a former race driver himself), and aunt Ruwinka, Yevan expressed his appreciation for the vital support that has helped shape him into the Sri Lankan version of his idol, Lewis Hamilton. After successfully transitioning from karts to cars, a challenging leap for any young driver, Yevan has proven he is ready for the top.
“Max Verstappen, the current F1 World Champion, who won his fourth title last week, went through the same transition as Yevan. Verstappen moved from F3 to F1 with his own style, and we don’t see why Yevan can’t reach that level sooner rather than later,” his team members commented.
At just 17, Yevan has already proven that with focus and dedication, anything is possible. While travelling globally with his team to racing venues across Asia and Europe, Yevan also juggles his higher studies online while finding time to enjoy cricket and basketball games on television.
“You need the right people to guide you. I should thank my team and my family for all I’ve learned and how I’ve grown. The improvement we’ve made this year and the growth of our team is incredible. It’s exciting that we already have Formula 1 input embedded in our future. Not many drivers at this level get that level of guidance,” Yevan added.
Today, racing drivers are often distinguished by their helmet designs, and Yevan has established his signature look with his yellow, orange, and green helmet, featuring a flame design, a lion, and the Sri Lankan flag. He’s now known around the racing circuit as “The Bat.”
“It was a coincidence. I wore a Batman shirt to my first karting race. My mechanic didn’t know my name, so he called me ‘Bat.’ The name stuck, and this helmet design, inspired by the Sri Lankan flag, will stay with me for the rest of my career. I think it’s important to stand out. In this day and age, you need to be distinctive because it helps build your character both on and off the track,” said the ambitious young driver, who aims to become the first-ever Sri Lankan F1 driver and the third from South Asia, following Indians Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.