Aston Martin has launched its Formula One Driver Academy, with FIA Formula 3 racer Mari Boya becoming the first driver to join the programme.
The academy has been established to identify, support and develop emerging racing talent, building on Aston Martin’s existing driver development efforts as the team looks to create a pathway for future motorsport prospects.
Boya, 21, joins the programme while competing for Campos Racing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. The Spaniard began his single-seater career after achieving success in karting and made his Formula 3 debut with MP Motorsport in 2023 before moving to Campos Racing for the 2024 season.
Since joining Campos, Boya has secured a Sprint Race victory in Barcelona and recently claimed a podium finish in the Monaco Feature Race. He will now become the first member of Aston Martin’s newly established academy.
The Driver Academy will scout talent across multiple levels of motorsport, from karting through to the junior single-seater categories. Drivers selected for the programme will receive support through physical training, simulator work, media coaching and race weekend exposure alongside Aston Martin’s Formula One operation.
The initiative will also partner with DPK Racing, the official team of Fernando Alonso’s FA Alonso Kart chassis programme.
Aston Martin CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell welcomed Boya to the academy and outlined the team’s objectives for the programme.
“Firstly, we are very happy to welcome Mari to the new programme,” Cowell said. “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 trait we value in motorsport.
“Our aim is to support his development in every area, from racecraft and technical feedback to media, fitness, and personal growth, preparing him for the demands of top-level racing.
“We are also proud to launch the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy, a programme designed to identify, support, and develop exceptional driving talent. This initiative gives us the opportunity to shape the next generation of drivers, helping them grow into the complete package both on and off the track.”
Boya described the opportunity as a significant step in his career.
“Joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy is a dream come true,” he said. “It’s a unique opportunity to learn from a team with so much ambition in Formula One.
“My goal is to absorb as much knowledge as possible, contribute in every way I can, and continue showing my potential on track.”
The Spaniard added that he was looking forward to learning within the Aston Martin environment and cited Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and Pedro de la Rosa as important figures within the team.
The academy’s launch formalises Aston Martin’s commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding its long-term driver development structure as it continues to invest in future generations of racing drivers.
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