Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy member Mari Boya talks us through his Formula 3 season ahead of the final round at Monza this weekend.
Monza. Synonymous with speed, passion, racing. With ultra-fast action on the track and a fervent atmosphere off it. It's hallowed ground for all those whose religion is high horsepower.
This weekend marks round 16 of the 2025 Formula One season, as we approach the final third of the year, but, for those in Formula 3, this is the curtain call.
One round, and two races, remain. And, for Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy member Mari Boya, it's a chance to finish a positive year overall on a high.
Here, he assesses his 2025 season, reveals how a change in approach has unlocked more performance, discusses his time in our driver academy, and looks at what his future may hold.
The final round of the Formula 3 season is here, what are your reflections on your 2025 campaign?
"The goal this year was to win the championship, but after a challenging first three rounds we were in a position where we knew that was going to be tough.
"What I'm pleased about is how we responded from that. We kept working hard, things improved, and we started to get the results we deserved.
"Joining the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy this year has been really helpful, too. I felt as though some pressure on me lifted when I joined and that was reflected on the track.
"Since Monaco, I've scored more points than anyone else in the series and, considering our start, it's been a good season overall. As a racing driver I naturally want to win, but we have to recognise where we came from at the start of the year. I think we can be really proud of what we've done."
I've tried to see race weekends differently and I am feeling much more confident.
Currently, you're second in the Formula 3 standings. What would finishing there mean to you?
"To end this season as vice-champion would be really positive. The best we can achieve this year now is second, so we have to take that and fight as hard as we can for it.
"It's not something I'm thinking lots about, though, because I have changed my approach to racing this season. I am doing what I love and what I always wanted to do as a kid, so I've tried to recognise that more and simply enjoy it.
"In taking this approach; driving a bit more on instinct, I feel as though I'm driving better."
What steps have you taken to enable that approach to your racing?
"This is the first season where I have been working with a psychologist and I think I've made a lot of progress. You never know what your limit is as a driver, but I felt my potential was much higher than what I was showing.
"I've tried to see race weekends differently and I am feeling much more confident because of that. I am the same driver as before, but the psychologist has helped me change my perspective on things and it's been a big help. I'm really grateful for their guidance."
What are your highlights from the Formula 3 season?
"Without any doubt, winning the Feature Race at Silverstone was my proudest moment, especially as I had only just joined the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy and so it was a home race of sorts for me.
"Silverstone is a track I've always loved, so to be on the podium twice in a weekend there and take victory in changeable conditions was really special. I'll always remember that.
"Aside from that, getting on the podium in Monaco, Austria, and Hungary were all great too. Hopefully I can have that feeling again this weekend."
How excited are you to be driving at Monza?
"Monza is fantastic. People think it's just about the long straights but, though there are only a few corners, you can make a lot of difference through them.
"In the low-speed sections you need good braking and exit performance and in the high-speed you need huge commitment to take them as fast as possible.
"Like in Formula One, we drive at Monza using a very low-downforce setup in Formula 3 which means the car can move a lot under braking, but it's a lot of fun to drive through the fast corners.
"Ascari is my favourite section; you're hanging onto the tyres at that point of the lap because they're hot and you need to carry a lot of speed through there, using as much of the track as possible.
"The races are fun because there is a lot of overtaking opportunities, but you have to pick your moments and be wary of your competitors behind you."
Lance and Fernando have been really good with giving up their time to chat to me.
You've been part of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy for several months. What's that been like?
"It's been really good. People ask me if I feel more pressure being part of it, but actually it has given me more confidence and I feel more relaxed.
"I've spent some time in the Formula One paddock with Lance and Fernando and some of the team's senior engineers which has been incredible; there's so much I can learn from them.
"Lance and Fernando have been really good with giving up their time to chat to me. I was a bit nervous approaching them at first because they're big stars but whenever we see each other it feels totally natural and we just speak one driver to another.
"They always say hello and ask how my race was and sometimes we've watched a Formula 2 race and talked about what we're seeing. That's been really surreal but I've loved it.
"I'm super proud to be part of the team and grateful to everyone for how much they've helped me and made me feel welcome. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds."
After this weekend, what's next for you? Can you give us any clues on your plans for 2026?
"My exact plans will soon be revealed but I can't give things away until after Monza. I’m excited for what's to come, though, and I'll be making sure I get myself as prepared as possible in the months ahead.
"I'll keep my training up throughout the off-season. I’m lucky that a lot of my friends are active, so we always have plans to play padel or football, or do some cycling.
"I'm not sure how much track time I'll be able to get but I've got a simulator at home which can help keep me sharp behind the wheel, too.
"I'll also hopefully be doing some work as part of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy. There's a chance I might join the team at the Mexico City Grand Prix which would be a very cool experience, but I'll wait and see if that happens.
"First and foremost, my focus is on this weekend and ending the season well."
Full throttle in Italy
One of the fastest circuits on the F1 calendar and one of the most historic, this weekend we're at Monza. Expect minimal downforce, blistering speeds and close racing. Get your complete guide to the Italian Grand Prix here.
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