Aston Martin writes a significant chapter in its history: the Driver Academy debuts, with young Spanish prodigy Mari Boya as its first recruit.
A historic day for Aston Martin as it launches its own Driver Academy – a program designed to identify, develop, and support the brightest young talents in motorsport. The first signing is 21-year-old Spaniard Mari Boya, currently competing in Formula 3 with Campos Racing.
A three-time Spanish karting champion, the 2004-born driver secured second place in the Spanish Formula 4 Championship in 2020—his rookie year in single-seaters—and in the Eurocup-3 in 2023, a season that also saw his debut in Formula 3. So far this year, Boya has claimed his first podium in a Formula 3 feature race in Monaco, and now makes history as the very first driver of the brand-new Aston Martin Driver Academy. Starting from the next Formula 3 weekend in Austria, both his race suit and helmet will carry the Aston Martin branding. The Academy has also established a partnership with DPK Racing, the official chassis supplier for Fernando Alonso’s FA Alonso Kart team.
“Joining the Aston Martin Driver Academy is a dream come true,” said Mari Boya, as quoted in the Aston Martin press release. “It’s a unique opportunity to learn from a team with such strong ambitions in Formula 1. My goal is to absorb as much knowledge as possible, contribute in every way I can, and continue to show my potential on track.”
“Being part of such a prestigious Formula 1 team and stepping into the Aston Martin environment is something truly special. The AMR Technology Campus is an inspiring place to be, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to work hard and grow as a driver.”
“Having role models like Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Pedro de la Rosa within the team makes this journey even more meaningful,” the young Spaniard concluded. “I couldn’t be happier. Now, my goal is to repay the team’s trust with strong performances.”
Andy Cowell, CEO and Team Principal of Aston Martin, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Mari to the new program. He is a promising talent with a strong track record, natural speed, and a determined mindset, but he is also an incredibly well-rounded athlete—a quality we highly value in motorsport. Our goal is to support his development in every area, from driving technique and technical feedback to communication, physical preparation, and personal growth, preparing him for the demands of top-level competition.”
“We are also proud to launch the Aston Martin Driver Academy, a program designed to identify, support, and develop exceptional driving talents. This initiative gives us the opportunity to nurture the next generation of drivers, helping them become well-rounded professionals both on and off the track. Guiding young talents through some of the most challenging and competitive phases of their careers is not only a privilege but a passion shared by the entire team.” .
Photo: Aston Martin F1, Formula 3
