In an exclusive interview with India TV, Indian racing sensation Mahaveer Raghunathan has opened up about his remarkable journey in international motorsport and his unwavering determination to reach the pinnacle of racing - Formula 1. The 26-year-old driver, who has already made history as the first Indian to compete in Formula 2, shared intimate details about his career progression, challenges faced, and future ambitions.
From Karting Tracks to International Circuits
Raghunathan's love affair with speed began at the tender age of 10 when he first sat in a go-kart. What started as a weekend hobby quickly evolved into a burning passion that would define his life's trajectory. His professional journey officially commenced in 2015 when he entered the Italian F4 Championship, marking his first serious step into formula racing.
The young driver's talent and dedication soon became apparent as he progressed through various racing categories. "The transition from karting to formula cars was challenging but exhilarating," Raghunathan recalled during the interview. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he made his Formula 2 debut with MP Motorsport, becoming the first Indian driver to compete in the championship since it replaced GP2 in 2017.
Conquering Challenges and Setting Records
Raghunathan's path to international recognition hasn't been without obstacles. The driver spoke candidly about the financial constraints that many Indian racers face when competing in expensive European championships. Securing sponsorship and managing budgets remains one of the biggest challenges for drivers from countries without established motorsport cultures.
Despite these hurdles, the Chennai-born racer has achieved significant milestones. In the 2019 F2 season, he scored his first championship points at the Monaco Grand Prix, a legendary circuit that has tested the world's best drivers for decades. This achievement underscored his potential and capability to compete at the highest levels of junior formula racing.
"Racing in Monaco was surreal," Raghunathan shared. "The history, the tight streets, the pressure - it's every driver's dream to compete there and scoring points made it even more special."
The Ultimate Goal: Formula 1 Ambition
When asked about his future aspirations, Raghunathan's response was clear and determined. His ultimate objective remains securing a seat in Formula 1, making him the first Indian driver since Narain Karthikeyan in 2012 to compete in the premier class of motorsport.
"The final goal is F1, no doubt about it," he stated emphatically. "Every decision I make, every race I compete in, is working toward that objective. I know the competition is fierce and the path is difficult, but I believe in my abilities and my dedication to making this dream a reality."
Raghunathan understands that reaching Formula 1 requires more than just driving skill. He emphasized the importance of physical fitness, mental strength, and technical understanding of the complex hybrid power units used in modern Formula 1 cars. The Indian driver has been working extensively with fitness trainers and engineers to develop these crucial aspects of his professional profile.
The racing star also acknowledged the growing interest in motorsport within India and hopes his journey can inspire the next generation of Indian racers. With the possible return of the Indian Grand Prix to the F1 calendar, he believes the timing is perfect for an Indian driver to make the leap to the sport's highest level.
As Raghunathan continues his pursuit of Formula 1 glory, he remains focused on performing consistently in his current championships while actively seeking opportunities to test with F1 teams. His journey represents not just personal ambition but the hopes of millions of Indian motorsport fans waiting to see their country represented on the global racing stage once again.
