Three Indians who reached the pinnacle of Formula 1

As India marks its 78th Independence Day, it's an opportune moment to celebrate the achievements of Indians who have made their mark in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. While Formula 1 is often associated with European powerhouses, a few Indians have managed to reach the pinnacle of this elite motorsport. From team ownership to driving, here are three Indians who have left a significant imprint on Formula 1.

Vijay Mallya: The Visionary Behind Force India

When one thinks of India’s involvement in Formula 1, the name Vijay Mallya inevitably comes to mind. Mallya, an Indian businessman, took a bold step into the world of F1 by acquiring the Spyker F1 team in October 2007. Alongside Dutch businessman Michiel Mol, Mallya rebranded the team as Force India, putting India on the F1 map.

The team, based in Silverstone, United Kingdom, quickly became known for its ability to punch above its weight. Despite being a mid-tier team, Force India gained a loyal following and was recognized for its impressive driver line-ups. The driving line-up included talents like Adrian Sutil, Giancarlo Fisichella, Nico Hülkenberg, George Russell and Sergio Pérez.

However, the team’s journey came to an abrupt halt in 2018 when Mallya and Subrata Roy, another major stakeholder, faced legal troubles related to fraud and loan defaults. Unable to sustain the financial demands, the team was put into administration by the High Court in London.

The team’s assets were later acquired by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, leading to the formation of what is now the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team. Mallya's Force India may no longer exist, but it remains a significant chapter in India's F1 history.

Narain Karthikeyan: India’s First Formula 1 Driver

Narain Karthikeyan holds the distinction of being India’s first Formula 1 driver. He made his debut in 2005 with the Jordan team, marking a historic moment for Indian motorsport. Karthikeyan's entry into F1 was a monumental achievement, especially considering the challenges faced by drivers from non-European countries in breaking into the sport.

While his career in F1 was not long-lasting, with his last appearance being in 2012 for HRT, Karthikeyan’s journey paved the way for future Indian drivers. His determination and perseverance continue to inspire young racers in India who aspire to reach the highest levels of motorsport.

Karun Chandhok: From the Track to the Broadcast Booth

Karun Chandhok, India’s second Formula 1 driver, followed in Karthikeyan’s footsteps when he joined the HRT team for the 2010 season. Although his racing career in F1 was brief, Chandhok transitioned seamlessly into a successful career as a motorsport pundit.

He has become a familiar face on British television, working with broadcasters such as the BBC, Channel 4, and Sky Sports. Chandhok’s insightful analysis and in-depth knowledge of the sport have made him a respected figure in the F1 community. His contributions off the track are as valuable as his time behind the wheel, and he continues to be a prominent ambassador for Indian motorsport.

The Next Generation: Jehan Daruvala and Kush Maini

While Mallya, Karthikeyan, and Chandhok have already made their mark, the future of Indian representation in Formula 1 looks promising with young talents like Jehan Daruvala and Kush Maini. Both are currently competing in Formula 2, the feeder series to F1 and are making strides towards their ultimate goal of joining the Formula 1 grid.