Indian Drivers Highlight Challenges and Ambitions at Buddh International Circuit Return
Young Indian racers Saishiva Sankaran and Viswas Vijayaraj have highlighted the path and persistent challenges involved in pursuing a career in top-tier motorsport, where cricket traditionally dominates public attention. Speaking to the Times of India during the Indian Racing Festival's return to the Buddh International Circuit after 13 years, the two drivers outlined the financial constraints, limited track testing and personal sacrifices required to progress toward Formula 1.
Sankaran began his career at eight years old with four-stroke karting in Kharadi, Pune. After winning his debut event, he moved into two-stroke karting with teams such as M-Sport and Kamehko Kartopia in Bengaluru, eventually advancing through single-seater racing, the F2000 Championship and the Indian Racing League, where he currently represents the Kolkata Royal Tigers. Vijayaraj, who races for Chennai Turbo Riders, explained that his motivation stems from a lifelong passion for cars and a desire to represent India internationally.
Sacrifices and Off-Track Preparation
Balancing formal education with a racing career remains a significant hurdle for young competitors. Sankaran noted that the demands of the racing calendar lead to missed school and college time, contrasting the schedule with daily training sports like tennis or cricket. Off the circuit, drivers undergo strict dietary routines, physical training and extensive practice on simulators to maintain their skills when track access is unavailable.
Testing limitations present another obstacle for domestic drivers compared to international competitors. Overseas racers often enjoy regular track access, whereas Indian drivers are typically restricted to a few days of testing each month. Despite this disparity, Vijayaraj emphasized that Indian competitors remain on par with their foreign counterparts, turning limited track exposure into valuable learning experiences on the grid.
Financial Support and F1 Dreams
Both drivers stressed that financial backing is critical to advancing through junior categories toward Formula 1. Vijayaraj noted that age and financial constraints often complicate career progression, arguing that while talented Indian drivers exist, additional national and corporate support is required to help them reach global series. Sankaran, who competed in Indian F4 last year, stated he is seeking sponsors to back his ascent up the Formula 1 ladder.
The return of racing to the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida provided a memorable milestone for the drivers, markinig their return to India's only F1-grade circuit. Vijayaraj, who had previously raced there in the 2019 National Championship, noted that walking the pit lane recalled memories of top drivers like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. He added that a potential return of Formula 1 to India would significantly boost local motorsport and create future driver opportunities.
Indian Racing Festival Results
The two-day Indian Racing Festival leg concluded at the Buddh International Circuit on November 1, 2026, featuring races in the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League. Aryan Narola and Ruhaan Alva delivered standout performances in their respective categories over the weekend.
Narola, representing Goa Aces JA Racing, secured victories in both F4 races held on Sunday. He defeated Aris Kyriakou and Ntiyiso Mabunda in Sunday's first race, and won the second ahead of Arjun Chheda and Mabunda. In the Indian Racing League's second race, Ruhaan Alva of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru took victory after capitalizing on car trouble suffered by Shane Chanderia. Mohamed Ryan of Hyderabad Blackbirds took second place, while Malaysian driver Alister Yoong of Speed Demons Delhi finished third.
The opening races took place on Saturday. Raoul Hyman of Goa Aces JA Racing won the first IRL race in 27:40.759, with Sankaran finishing second in 27:55.806 and Jemma Moore of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru placing third in 27:56.070. Saturday's initial F4 race saw Ntiyiso Mabunda win in 32:46.842, followed by Luviwe Sambudla in second and Narola in third.
