Mahaveer Raghunathan ends his Italian GT Sprint season with a Pro-Am victory at Monza, showcasing consistency and resilience in the 2025 finale.
Introduction
What a thrilling way to end a racing season! Indian racer Mahaveer Raghunathan wrapped up his 2025 Italian GT Sprint Championship campaign in spectacular fashion, claiming a Pro-Am class victory in Race 2 at Monza. Partnered with Lorenzo Ferrari under the AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3, Raghunathan showcased grit, skill, and consistency, proving once again why he’s one of India’s most determined motorsport talents.
Let’s take a closer look at how Raghunathan’s season unfolded, the highs and lows of his Monza weekend, and what this result means for his career moving forward.
Mahaveer Raghunathan: The Pride of Indian Motorsport
When you think of Indian drivers competing on global circuits, Mahaveer Raghunathan stands tall among them. Representing India in the Italian GT Sprint Championship, he continues to make waves in European racing, balancing passion with professionalism. His journey isn’t just about trophies—it’s about proving that Indian racers can thrive at the highest levels of motorsport.
The Italian GT Sprint Championship: A Quick Overview
The Italian GT Sprint Championship is one of Europe’s premier racing series, attracting top drivers and manufacturers. With short, intense races spread across legendary circuits like Imola, Mugello, and Monza, every second counts. Competing in the Pro-Am class, Raghunathan races alongside professionals and rising stars, making every podium finish a remarkable feat.
Season Beginnings: A Victorious Start at Vallelunga
Raghunathan’s 2025 season began with a bang at Vallelunga, where he secured an overall race win—a rare achievement for a Pro-Am competitor. It set the tone for what was to be an incredible season. That early victory wasn’t just about speed—it was about confidence, teamwork, and precision driving.
Teaming Up with Lorenzo Ferrari and AF Corse
Partnering with Lorenzo Ferrari, one of Italy’s promising young talents, proved to be a winning combination. Their team, AF Corse, is a powerhouse in GT racing, known for its experience and technical excellence. The duo’s chemistry both on and off the track played a key role in their consistent performances throughout the year.
The Monza Weekend: A Story of Two Races
The final weekend at Monza—the “Temple of Speed”—was packed with drama, emotion, and redemption. For Raghunathan, this wasn’t just another race weekend; it was a battle to end the season on a high. The Italian circuit, with its long straights and high-speed chicanes, tested every ounce of skill and strategy.
Race 1: From Vice-Champion to Post-Race Penalty
In Race 1, Raghunathan and Ferrari put on a strong performance, finishing as vice-champions in Pro-Am and P4 overall. But motorsport is unpredictable. A post-race penalty for early contact dropped them to P4 in class, costing them crucial championship points. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially when the title was within reach.
Race 2: The Comeback of the Season
Race 2 was redemption in motion. After an early incident, Raghunathan showed immense composure, fighting his way through the pack with clean overtakes and tactical brilliance. Once he handed the car over to Ferrari, the Italian driver maintained the momentum, setting up the duo for an incredible comeback.
A Strategic Drive Under Pressure
In endurance sprint racing, strategy is everything. Raghunathan balanced aggression with caution, ensuring the car remained competitive while avoiding unnecessary risks. His approach mirrored that of a chess player—every move calculated, every overtake deliberate. It’s this maturity that defines him as a top-tier driver.
The Thrill of the Safety Car Finish
As the race neared its end, a late safety car brought the entire field closer together. What could have been a comfortable finish turned into a nail-biter. But AF Corse seized the opportunity. Ferrari held his ground under immense pressure, crossing the line first in Pro-Am and sixth overall, sealing a memorable victory for the team.
A Season of Three Wins and Countless Lessons
Across the 2025 season, Raghunathan’s record was impressive—three total victories, including an overall win at Vallelunga and Pro-Am triumphs at Imola and Monza. Beyond the statistics, the year was filled with valuable lessons in teamwork, patience, and adaptability—qualities every great driver needs.
Just Four Points Short: Missing the Championship
Despite their success, Raghunathan and Ferrari narrowly missed the GT3 Pro-Am Championship title by just four points. It was a heartbreaking yet motivating end. The penalty from Race 1 proved decisive, but that’s the nature of motorsport—every detail matters, and every second counts.
Raghunathan’s Reflections: A Champion’s Mindset
Speaking after the race, Raghunathan said, “It feels great to end the season with a win at Monza. Race 1 was disappointing with the penalty without which we would have won the championship, but we came back strong. We’ve been consistently fast all year, and that’s what matters.”
His words reflected the spirit of a true racer—focused on progress, not setbacks.
The Importance of Consistency in GT Racing
Consistency separates champions from contenders. Throughout the 2025 season, Raghunathan’s ability to stay competitive at every circuit showcased his evolution as a driver. Like a marathon runner pacing himself for the final sprint, he maintained focus across the highs and lows of the campaign.
What’s Next for Mahaveer Raghunathan?
With his growing reputation in GT racing, the future looks bright. Fans and experts alike wonder—will we see him return to the Italian GT grid next season or make a move to a larger European series? Whatever comes next, Raghunathan’s journey continues to inspire young Indian racers to dream big.
Final Thoughts: An Inspiring Journey for Indian Motorsport
From the heart-pounding straights of Monza to the technical turns of Imola, Mahaveer Raghunathan’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster of emotion and achievement. His resilience, skill, and determination have not only elevated his own profile but also shone a spotlight on Indian motorsport on the global stage.
Just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Raghunathan turned challenges into opportunities, proving that true champions don’t just chase victory—they build it, one race at a time.
FAQs
1. Who is Mahaveer Raghunathan?
Mahaveer Raghunathan is an Indian racing driver competing in the Italian GT Sprint Championship, representing AF Corse Ferrari in the Pro-Am class.
2. What car did Raghunathan drive in the 2025 season?
He raced the AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3, a high-performance GT car known for its speed, balance, and aerodynamic efficiency.
3. How many wins did Raghunathan secure in 2025?
Raghunathan achieved three wins in total—an overall win at Vallelunga and two Pro-Am class wins at Imola and Monza.
4. Did Raghunathan win the 2025 championship?
He finished second in the Pro-Am standings, missing the title by just four points due to a penalty in Race 1 at Monza.
5. What’s next for Mahaveer Raghunathan’s racing career?
While nothing is confirmed yet, Raghunathan is expected to continue competing in international GT racing, possibly expanding into endurance events in the near future.
