The next generation of motorsports drivers in India are proving their mettle, gunning for Formula One and IndyCar spots.
Once seen as a niche genre of sports compared to cricket and football, motorsports have steadily gained a strong fanbase in India—one that’s still growing. More investment, more exposure, and the Netflix series Drive To Survive have got the Indian youth excited about motorsports, especially Formula One.
Currently, memes, race-day watch parties, and online discussions are becoming increasingly common. The focus has shifted from whether India will return to the arena to who will lead India in these sports. A new group of young Indian drivers is ready to step up, building on the work of past pioneers and making their mark on the global stage.
With events like the Indian Racing League (IRL), Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), or the Rainforest Challenge India, along with drag racing and autocross competitions, India’s hunger for speed and skills is well-fed and thriving! There are a few drivers and riders right now who are making heads turn with their skills.
Spotlight: Jehan Daruvala
A 26-year-old racer from Mumbai, Jehan Daruvala, is one of India’s most experienced young drivers. His portfolio consists of several podium finishes in Formula 3 and Formula 2, and some very respectable stints as test driver for top Formula One teams like Red Bull and McLaren. His reputation as a calm and consistent driver under pressure makes him one of the best drivers in the country – one who’s coming ever closer to grabbing a Formula One seat.
But having taken a short break from racing in 2025, Daruvala’s strong showing in Formula 2 can surely get him a role as a race driver in the IndyCar series.
Spotlight: Kush Maini
Another prominent star among the Indian drivers, Kush Maini, hails from Bengaluru, and has quickly established himself as India’s most promising young driver. He currently races in Formula 2 with Invicta Racing and is part of the Alpine F1 team’s driver academy, a program that helps young drivers move closer to Formula 1.
While his career has seen a steady upward trajectory – 62 points in 2023 and 74 points in 2024 at the FIA Formula 2 Championship – it’s the recently concluded Monte Carlo FIA Formula 2 event where he made the headlines, finishing 1st in the Sprint Race. His talent and discipline has earned him growing support, both financially and from racing teams, something many Indians have struggled to get in the past. As a test and reserve driver for the Alpine F1 team in the 2025 Formula One season, Maini is setting himself apart, both in the eyes of Formula One teams and sponsors. If he keeps progressing, a spot in Formula One could be well within reach.
Spotlight: Nithila Das
At just 14 years of age, Nithila Das is quickly becoming one of the most (if not the most) exciting young names in Indian motorsports. Originally from Kerala and now based in Bengaluru, Nithila began racing at the age of six and hasn’t looked back since.
Despite being only 14, she has already earned major titles, including winning the TVS One Make Women’s Championship 2023 and securing the Ohvale MiniGP National Championship in 2022. In 2024, she was named the Fastest Girl in the Indian Supercross League 2024. Along with her racing career, she’s a versatile talent, too, with a national-level mountain biking medal making her aspire to represent India at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Backed by her family and guided by top coaches, Nithila balances school and sport with remarkable discipline. With her fearless attitude and growing list of accolades, she’s not just breaking records, she’s breaking barriers for the next generation of women in motorsports.
Learning From The Trailblazers
Fortunately for the young Indian drivers, inspiration has not been few and far between. Pioneers like Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, who boldly entered the world of international motorsport, have given them hope that Indian talent belongs on the global stage. As the first Indians to compete in Formula One, they broke new ground and showed that success in motorsports is possible with relentless hard work, discipline, and passion.
Their journeys continue to motivate the next generation of racers, who now dream bigger, train harder, and believe that they too can rise through the ranks and represent India at the highest levels of racing.
The motorsport scene is growing in India, but there are still significant challenges.
The country doesn’t have enough karting tracks, proper racing circuits, or steady funding to support young talent. The Indian Grand Prix, held at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013, gave hope, but it ended early due to tax issues and lack of support, showing how fragile motorsport in India can be.
Racing is also a very expensive sport, and many skilled drivers can’t afford to continue without substantial backing. Most funding comes from families or foreign sponsors, which limits chances for many aspiring racers.
On the positive side, a strong online fan base is helping change things. YouTubers, meme pages, podcasts, and social media groups are creating a growing motorsport culture in India. This new wave of support is catching the attention of brands, who now see Indian drivers as exciting and marketable figures.
With more global attention and rising interest among young Indians, the future looks bright. Drivers like Jehan Daruvala and Kush Maini among others are leading the way, building on the foundation that the stars of yesteryears have laid. The path to motorsport glory is challenging, but India is no longer just watching from the sidelines. The dream of an Indian driver on the F1 podium is becoming more possible, and when it happens, it will be thanks to talent, determination, and a country ready to race forward.
