The Formula 3 season comes to an end at the Italian Grand Prix, and Mari Boya, a pilot from the Aston Martin academy, has evaluated his season.
The Spanish driver stated that the objective was to fight for the title, but after the first three races, he realized it would be difficult: “The goal this year was to win the championship, but after the first three challenging stages, we knew it would be tough. What makes me happy is how we reacted to it. We continued working hard, things improved, and we started achieving the results we deserved. But overall, it was a good season.”
Currently in second place in the championship, Boya said that finishing the season as vice-champion would be a very positive result: “Finishing the season as vice-champion would be very positive. The best we can achieve now is second place, so we have to accept it and fight as much as possible for it. I’m not thinking too much about it because I changed my approach to racing this season. I’m doing what I love and what I’ve always wanted to do since I was a child, so I tried to recognize that more and simply enjoy it. With this approach, driving a bit more by instinct, I feel like I’m driving better.”
He also revealed that he has been working with a psychologist for the first time in his career: “This is the first season I’ve worked with a psychologist, and I think I’ve made a lot of progress. You never know what your limit as a driver is, but I felt that my potential was much greater than what I was showing. I tried to see the racing weekends in a different way, and I feel much more confident because of it. I’m the same driver as before, but the psychologist helped me change my perspective on things, and that’s been a big help. I’m very grateful for their guidance.”
Regarding the highlights, Boya highlighted Silverstone: “Without a doubt, winning the Feature Race at Silverstone was my proudest moment, especially since I had just joined the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy, so it was like a home race for me. Silverstone is a track I’ve always loved, so being on the podium twice in one weekend there and winning in changing conditions was really special. I’ll remember that forever.”
About the Italian Grand Prix, he said that the track requires more than just speed on the straights: “Monza is fantastic. People think it’s just about long straights, but although there are only a few corners, you can make a lot of difference in them. In the low-speed sections, you need good braking and exit performance, and in the high-speed sections, you need a lot of commitment to achieve the maximum possible speed.”
Boya also talked about what it’s been like to be part of the Aston Martin academy: “It’s been very good. People ask me if I feel more pressure being part of it, but actually, it’s given me more confidence, and I feel more relaxed. I spent some time in the Formula 1 paddock with Lance (Stroll) and Fernando (Alonso) and some of the team’s senior engineers, which was incredible; there’s a lot I can learn from them. I’m very proud to be part of the team and grateful to everyone for how they’ve helped me and made me feel welcome. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Finally, he spoke about the 2026 season: “My exact plans will be revealed soon, but I won’t reveal anything until after Monza. I’m excited about what’s to come, and I’ll prepare as much as possible over the next few months. Above all, my focus is on this weekend and ending the season well.”
