At just 13 years of age, Jagrat Detroja’s future looks bright. His rise in the world of European karting is setting new standards for Indian racers and new hope for the fans.
For motorsport enthusiasts, the adrenaline rush of raw speed and fierce competition begins with karting. And at just 13 years old, Jagrat Detroja has taken the world of karting by storm. Despite having only started his teenage years, he’s rewriting what’s possible for Indian racers on the European stage, setting new standards and opening global doors for the next generation.
Starting the Journey: From India to Europe
Jagrat’s fascination with motorsports began at an early age. By 2018, at just 7 years old, he was already competing in his first karting events in India, quickly gaining a reputation for relentless dedication and natural speed. His rookie season wasn’t just about learning; he was crowned ‘Best Newcomer of the Year’, making an immediate mark in the National Circuit.
Recognising the need to chase tougher competition, Jagrat made a bold move in 2020 when he relocated to Spain. There, he trained with ETMC Motorsports and Tony Kart, names synonymous with producing world-class racing talents. This transition was critical, immersing him in environments where every fraction of a second mattered and pushing him well beyond his comfort zone.
International Breakthrough
By age 13, Jagrat had already achieved what most young drivers only dream of: multiple podium finishes in international competitions. Notably, he clinched a P3 finish in the fiercely contested Spanish Championship and began racing regularly in top-tier events like the FIA Karting Championship, Champions of the Future series, and the WSK Championship.
Jagrat’s progression wasn’t linear or easy. The European karting scene is regarded as one of the most competitive globally, and being the only Indian participant in many races made him stand out; his presence signalled the arrival of ambitious Indian talent on circuits traditionally dominated by established European names.
In 2024, he proudly represented India in the Junior category at the FIA Motorsport Games, a prestigious event featuring about 80 countries. Jagrat’s raw speed showed as he secured pole position, though mechanical troubles in the final meant he settled for fifth place. Even so, it was a statement of intent: India can compete at this level, and Detroja was leading the charge.
Image: Jagrat Detroja at the FIA Karting Championships
Joining Antonelli Motorsport: A Unique Path
March 2025 marked a key moment in Jagrat’s journey. He joined Antonelli Motorsport, one of Europe’s most respected karting teams, run by the father of Mercedes F1 junior star Kimi Antonelli. The move was significant for two reasons:
- Access to Elite Training: Antonelli Motorsport is known for shaping future F1 drivers. Jagrat gained direct access to intensive coaching, data-driven performance analysis, and the cultural mindset that propels champions.
- Raising the Bar for India: Becoming the first Indian to join such a prestigious team, Jagrat sent a powerful message to aspiring racers back home: with talent, drive, and the right support, it’s possible to infiltrate the upper echelons of European motorsport.
Now formally part of Antonelli Motorsport’s powerful roster, Jagrat set his sights on competing and winning in the 2025 FIA Karting European and World Championships, the toughest proving grounds on the planet for future stars.
2025: Setting Standards and Chasing Ambitions
For Jagrat, 2025 is a pivotal year. He races in both the Champions of the Future series (a key feeder championship for FIA-level competitions) and the FIA Karting European and World Championships, a pathway routinely travelled by future Formula 1 drivers.
The calendar will see him travel across some of Europe’s most iconic tracks: Campillos in Spain, Portimao in Portugal, Viterbo in Italy, Rodby in Denmark, and Kristianstad in Sweden. The diversity and intensity of these challenges provide accelerated learning opportunities, sharpening Jagrat’s skills and further cementing his status as a breakout talent.
Drive and Public Ambition
Jagrat Detroja isn’t just racing for himself; he carries the hopes of a burgeoning motorsport nation. In a recent statement, he shared, “Representing India on the global stage is a dream come true for me. Competing in the FIA Karting European and World Championships is a tough challenge, but I am fully prepared to give it my best. My focus is on continuous improvement, pushing my limits, and making my country proud. This season is a crucial step toward my ultimate goal of reaching single-seater racing”.
His ambition is clear; the endgame isn’t karting, but to climb the ranks to single-seater categories and, ultimately, Formula 1. Every lap, podium, and setback in Europe is a piece of that larger plan.
The Impact on Indian Motorsports
While as a teenager, he is unlikely to impose himself on the Indian motorsports scene, Jagrat’s story does serve as a unique one, and one that will teach us to break stereotypes.
He is demonstrating that Indian drivers can not only compete but also succeed in Europe, where unfamiliarity with conditions and lack of historical presence can be significant hurdles. Young racers, in India, now have a blueprint and inspiration. His journey, leaving home, adapting to new cultures and thriving under pressure, shows the way forward.
Every podium and high-profile entry moves India closer to being seen as a serious powerhouse in international karting and, eventually, higher racing echelons.
The Road Ahead
Jagrat Detroja’s rise is far from over. With Antonelli Motorsport, a landmark race calendar, and a nation watching, he’s at the cutting edge of a new era for Indian motorsport. His journey is a testament to talent, commitment, vision and for young fans and future racers, a powerful reminder that true ambition knows no borders.
