May 16, 2025
What sparked your interest in racing and how did you get started?
My family members, including my father, grandfather and even my grandmother, were involved in motorsports. Most of my childhood was spent going to racetracks and racing events. I competed at the Indian National Racing Championship and the Formula Asia Championship in 2000 and 2001, respectively, winning both. I then moved to Europe to compete in Formula 3. I eventually competed in Formula 1 (F1), which is the pinnacle of the sport, and also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an endurance race where multiple drivers and cars compete non-stop for 24 hours. Additionally, I have competed in Formula E, a race format featuring single-seater fully electric-powered cars that are similar in shape to Formula 1 cars.
What excites you the most about racing?
Undoubtedly, it’s the speed. The thrill one gets from driving race cars is incomparable to anything else! Racing wheel to wheel with others and driving beyond 300kms per hour is an absolutely amazing feeling.
What has been the most memorable experience from your career?
Competing in my first F1 race was the most memorable experience. Lining up on the starting grid for the first time alongside racing champions such as Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher was amazing. Additionally, racing at Le Mans for the first time was incredible. There were thousands of spectators in the grandstands and I was the first Indian to compete in the iconic race.
How did you prepare for a big race?
When it comes to preparation, there are two crucial aspects—physical and mental preparation. I was lucky to grow up in Chennai because the weather is hot and if you can train under these conditions, you can survive anywhere. I would go cycling for a minimum of 70 or 80kms and also up to 150kms sometimes. Additionally, I ran, swam and underwent weight training. You need every muscle in your body to drive an F1 car and preparing physically is demanding. My mental preparation included following a routine. I would need some quiet time before a race to maintain focus. My day was scheduled in terms of activities such as packing my kit bag and preparing my helmet and energy drink. Establishing a routine helped me focus on the job ahead.
You’ve mentioned your grandmother’s love for racing. Do you think we will see more Indian women competing in F1 in the future?
My grandmother was a pathbreaker, participating in races in the 1970s—a time when it was uncommon for Indian women to even drive on roads. I hope to see more women competing in motorsports. We already have young girls participating in go-kart races and national championships. An increased participation by women would be fantastic for the sport in our country.
Who is your favourite F1 driver and what is it about their achievements that you admire?
I admire Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen makes very few mistakes and is an extremely talented driver. Hamilton is a great ambassador for the sport both on the racetrack and outside. Apart from his incredible achievements on the track, Hamilton has founded a charity that supports young people from underprivileged backgrounds and works towards getting them involved in the sport. He uses his voice to support social causes, inspiring others to look at the bigger picture.
As a trailblazer for Indian motorsport, what advice would you give children aspiring to enter this field?
It is important to stay level-headed. F1 is quite a complicated sport. Beyond the actual competition, the sport involves automotive technology, aerodynamics, sponsorships, marketing, legal and several other aspects. Additionally, it follows strict and detailed regulations. Children must educate themselves on all the layers of the sport. Most importantly, one should stay humble and grounded.
What changes would help India produce more F1 drivers?
Go-karting is the foundation of a future in F1. Over the last two years, I have had the opportunity to design a world-class go-kart track in Chennai, which was inaugurated in September 2024. This is the first Grade-1 track in India and is on par with the best go-kart tracks globally. With a growing number of children showing interest in go-karting, nurturing their passion from a young age is crucial in shaping the future of Indian motorsport.
What inspired you to write ‘Drive to Victory’?
The idea sparked from a tweet I had posted about tyres, where someone responded saying that explaining F1 to children was too complicated. That made me realise that many children might be interested in the sport but find it difficult to grasp certain aspects of it. I enjoy watching races with my children and they are always eager to learn more. I take the time to explain things to them, but I realised that many other children might not have someone to guide them through the details. This served as the inspiration for writing the book.
Drive to Victory
Incredible True Stories from the Fastest Sport in the World
Written By: Karun Chandhok
Illustrated By: Max Rambaldi
Price: ₹499
Recommended Age: 8+ years
Published By: Wren and Rook, Hachette Children’s Group | www.hachetteindia.com
Available on Amazon
ACTIVITY: Driving India Crazy
