Aston Martin launches its driver academy with Mari Boya

Aston Martin has reached an important milestone in its strategy for developing young talent. The British team has officially launched its driver academy, with its first recruit being the 21-year-old Spaniard Mari Boya, currently competing in Formula 3.

This new structure is added to the already existing development program of the team led by Andy Cowell, which notably included Jak Crawford in Formula 2. But the academy goes further by expanding its scope to karting, which finally allows Aston Martin to catch up with competitors who have long had their own training programs.

An ambitious initiative for the future

Expressing the team’s pride in the launch of the program, Andy Cowell detailed the vision behind it: « Designed to identify, support, and develop young drivers with exceptional potential. This initiative gives us the opportunity to shape the next generation of drivers, helping them become well-rounded athletes, both on and off the track. Supporting young talents through some of the most demanding and competitive phases of their careers is not just a privilege, it’s also a passion shared by the entire team. »

The academy will also rely on a strategic partnership with DPK Racing, the official karting school of Fernando Alonso. A major asset that offers privileged access to the network of the Spanish double world champion.

Mari Boya, first resident of the academy

Triple Spanish karting champion, Mari Boya (José María Navalón Boya) followed the usual path of young drivers. Born in Les in 2004, he left karting in 2020 for single-seaters with a successful stint in the Formula Renault Eurocup where he finished as vice-champion. Since 2023, he has been racing in Formula 3 with Campos Racing.

His results in F3 remain modest. In his third season, he is currently 13th in the championship. He has only one podium this year in Monaco and a single victory last year in a sprint race in Barcelona. These statistics reflect the challenge of standing out in a highly competitive category but are sufficient to convince Aston Martin to bet on him.

Joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy is a dream come true. It’s a unique opportunity to learn within a team driven by such ambition in Formula 1. My goal is to acquire as much knowledge as possible, contribute as much as I can, and continue to demonstrate my potential on the track.

Being part of such a prestigious Formula 1 team and entering the Aston Martin Aramco environment is something truly special. The AMR technology campus is an inspiring place, and I am excited about the opportunities that await me as I continue my efforts to progress as a driver, said Boya.

A comprehensive training program

The Aston Martin Academy does not settle for just a simple sporting follow-up. The program encompasses all the necessary aspects for training a modern driver: physical training, media coaching, simulator sessions, and presence during Grand Prix weekends. The goal is to prepare young drivers for the demands of the highest level, both technically and personally.

Boya’s profile perfectly aligns with this lineage. Delighted to welcome him to the program, Cowell highlights his qualities and outlines the development areas planned: « He is a promising talent with a solid track record, natural speed, and a determined mindset, but he is also an incredibly well-rounded athlete – a quality we value in motorsport. Our goal is to support his development in all areas: race mastery, technical feedback, media, physical fitness, and personal development, to prepare him for the demands of high-level competition. »

An exceptional environment awaits Boya, where he will be able to mingle with Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Pedro de la Rosa. Starting this weekend in Austria at the Red Bull Ring, he will wear the academy’s logos on his helmet and suit, symbolically marking the beginning of this new adventure.