Indian racing driver Mahaveer Raghunathan is set to make a notable return to European GT racing as he partners with AF Corse for the 2025 Italian Gran Turismo Championship. The move marks a strategic progression in the 25-year-old’s career, aligning him with one of the most prestigious teams in GT racing—AF Corse, the official Ferrari GT team with a legacy rooted in excellence.
AF Corse and Ferrari: A Proven Winning Combination
AF Corse, headquartered in Piacenza, Italy, is synonymous with dominance in GT racing circuits worldwide. The team is known for running the Ferrari 296 GT3 and has played a pivotal role in Ferrari’s championship successes in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and GT World Challenge. Mahaveer Raghunathan’s inclusion in this elite setup adds a new chapter to both his personal career and to Indian motorsport history.
AF Corse’s continued commitment to excellence in vehicle preparation, race strategy, and driver development makes it a prime platform for Raghunathan to further his skills in high-performance GT racing.
Mahaveer Raghunathan’s Journey to Italian GT
Raghunathan’s career has spanned multiple racing disciplines, including GP3, Formula 2, and endurance racing. Known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, he previously raced in the Euroformula Open and Auto GP Series, with multiple podium finishes to his credit. In 2019, he competed in FIA Formula 2 with MP Motorsport, where he gained international attention.
His recent stint in the Asian Le Mans Series and other endurance competitions demonstrated significant growth in race management and pace consistency—key attributes required in GT racing. The upcoming Italian GT Championship will serve as a proving ground for Raghunathan’s versatility and adaptability in one of Europe’s most competitive GT platforms.
The 2025 Italian GT Championship: A Competitive Battlefield
The 2025 season of the Campionato Italiano Gran Turismo promises an intense schedule, with races hosted on iconic circuits such as Monza, Imola, Mugello, Vallelunga, and Misano. The championship will once again feature both Sprint and Endurance series formats, attracting factory-supported and independent teams alike.
Raghunathan’s participation with AF Corse positions him in the Pro-Am category, where he will pair with a highly experienced European driver yet to be announced. The duo is expected to compete in the Ferrari 296 GT3, leveraging the car’s advanced aerodynamics and hybrid-assisted V6 engine.
Key Features of the Ferrari 296 GT3
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
- Chassis: Aluminium monocoque
- Power Output: Over 600 HP
- Gearbox: Six-speed sequential
- Aerodynamics: Optimized for downforce and efficiency
- Weight Distribution: Configured for agility and stability
This combination of machinery and driving expertise creates a compelling equation for success in 2025.
Indian Motorsport on the Rise
Raghunathan’s move also highlights a broader shift in the Indian motorsport landscape. With increased international participation from Indian drivers like Kush Maini, Jehan Daruvala, and now Mahaveer Raghunathan in the GT space, India’s presence in global motorsport is stronger than ever. His AF Corse deal serves as an aspirational benchmark for young drivers aspiring to move from karting or single-seaters into endurance and GT racing.
Moreover, this development aligns with the recent resurgence of Indian interest in racing, underscored by initiatives like the Indian Racing League and the Formula 4 Indian Championship. With Indian brands and investors starting to back motorsport ventures more aggressively, Raghunathan’s 2025 campaign could draw significant fanfare and sponsorship from South Asia.
AF Corse’s Strategic Expansion and Driver Development
AF Corse’s decision to sign Raghunathan reflects their long-term vision of talent development across continents. The team’s strategy involves nurturing promising talent from non-traditional racing nations, creating a more global footprint. With a reputation for grooming champions in both GT and endurance racing, AF Corse offers Raghunathan a fertile environment to hone his skills, compete at the highest level, and potentially move into larger WEC or IMSA programs in the future.
Each venue on this calendar not only presents high-speed challenges but also a chance for Raghunathan to demonstrate his capability in varying race conditions—from the flowing curves of Mugello to the tight and technical sectors of Vallelunga.
Media and Sponsorship Interest Grows
Raghunathan’s return to a European GT championship with such a reputable team has already stirred interest among Indian and international sponsors. AF Corse’s media visibility and consistent top finishes attract millions of viewers across motorsport platforms. With a strong showing in 2025, Raghunathan stands to boost his personal brand, bring further sponsorship into the sport, and inspire future collaborations between Indian enterprises and European racing outfits.
Conclusion
Mahaveer Raghunathan’s entry into the 2025 Italian GT Championship with AF Corse is more than a mere contract signing—it is a landmark moment for Indian motorsport and a step forward in his evolving career. With the full weight of AF Corse’s engineering excellence and Ferrari’s GT pedigree behind him, Raghunathan is poised to make a significant impact on the European GT circuit. As the championship unfolds across Italy’s most iconic tracks, all eyes will be on the young Indian as he aims to etch his name into the annals of GT racing history.
