Top 5 rising Indian stars redefining the world of international motor racing

India Today

4 hours ago

The fast-paced world of motorsport is no longer the exclusive domain of seasoned professionals. A new generation of Indian racers is making its mark on national and international circuits by pushing the boundaries of speed, skill, and ambition. With grit, persistence, and dreams of podium finishes, these five emerging talents are redefining what it means to be an Indian on the global racing scene.advertisement1. Yuven SundaramoorthyAt just 21, Yuven Sundaramoorthy is blazing a trail in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, racing for Abel Motorsports. Born in Wisconsin to a family originally from Madurai, India, Yuven has transitioned from a karting prodigy to an open-wheel racing standout. He became the first Indian American to win a race sanctioned by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with notable victories at Barber Motorsports Park and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Backed by two-time Formula One and INDY500 champion Alexander Rossi, Yuven combines raw speed with cultural pride. His journey is poised to inspire a new wave of Indian-origin racers aiming to compete at the very top - including the INDYCAR and INDY500.2. Shriya LohiaAt just 16, Shriya Lohia is making history in Indian motorsport as the nation's first-ever female Formula 4 driver. She began her journey in karting, where she racked up over 30 podium finishes. In 2022, her exceptional achievements earned her the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.advertisementDespite the demands of a racing career, Shriya excels as a Class 11 science student, effortlessly balancing academics and her passion for speed. She's not only setting records on the track but also breaking barriers off it - emerging as a powerful role model for young women and proving that talent and determination can challenge long-standing gender stereotypes in motorsport.3. Humaira MushtaqHumaira Mushtaq, from Jammu & Kashmir, stands out as the region's first and only professional female racing driver. She began racing go-karts at four, advanced to Rotax karting by six, and later moved into Formula 2, Formula 3, single-seaters, and GT categories.She gained international attention as the first Indian woman to compete in the British Endurance Championship. With accolades such as the Mission Shakti Award and the FICCI FLO Trailblazer Award, Humaira is now proudly representing India in European and Middle Eastern racing circuits.4. Jehan DaruvalaJehan Daruvala is steadily becoming a household name in Indian motorsport. Competing in the fiercely competitive FIA Formula 2 Championship, he has already notched several podiums and race wins. Starting in karting, Jehan rose through elite racing ladders including Formula Renault, FIA European Formula 3, and Formula 3.As a former Red Bull Junior Team driver, he has proven himself not only quick but also composed under pressure. With his experience and racecraft, Daruvala is widely tipped as a strong candidate for a future Formula 1 seat.advertisement5. Arjun MainiArjun Maini isn't just another name on the racing roster-he represents a new generation of Indian motorsport heroes making their mark on the international stage. Starting his career in karting, he quickly climbed the ranks through FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2, consistently proving his skill behind the wheel. As the first Indian to compete in Formula 2 and with strong showings in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Maini has transitioned seamlessly into endurance racing. With growing experience, sharp adaptability, and relentless perseverance, he is fast becoming a name to watch in global motorsport.Trending Reel