'The drivers are here': India's next generation of racers dream of an F1 breakthrough
Young Indian racers are striving to break into Formula 1, navigating significant financial hurdles and limited infrastructure in a country dominated by cricket. Drivers like Saishiva Sankaran and Viswas Vijayaraj are leveraging local racing leagues to gain experience and pursue international careers.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the challenges of developing niche sports talent in emerging markets where funding and cultural focus are heavily skewed toward more popular sports.
In a country where cricket dominates the sporting landscape, motorsport continues to fight for attention. For young Indian racers, reaching Formula 1 remains the ultimate ambition, but the path to the top comes with financial constraints, limited opportunities and sacrifices away from the track.For Saishiva Sankaran and Viswas Vijayaraj, that path began with a childhood love for cars and racing. Speaking to Times of India during the Indian Racing Festival's return to the Buddh International Circuit after 13 years, the two drivers spoke about their careers, the demands of competing against international racers and what it takes to pursue a career in motorsport in India.From karting in Pune to the Indian Racing LeagueSaishiva Sankaran began racing when he was eight years old. His interest in cars introduced him to karting at a small facility in Kharadi, Pune, where he started competing in four-stroke karting events.
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