'The drivers are here': India's next generation of racers dream of an F1 breakthrough

NewsSports NewsRacing NewsRacing News'The drivers are here': India's next generation of racers dream of an F1 breakthrough 'The drivers are here': India's next generation of racers dream of an F1 breakthrough India's next generation of racers dream of an F1 breakthrough 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 League Saishiva 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. He won his first event before moving to two-stroke karting, gaining experience through several championships while working with teams such as M-Sport and Kamehko Kartopia in Bengaluru.<div data-pos="0" class="id-r-component iIpbx undefined From karting, he progressed to single-seater racing before moving into the F2000 Championship and eventually the Indian Racing League, where he represents the Kolkata Royal Tigers.

"It has been a long journey of 10 years, starting from the basics. I would like to thank my family and friends for making this possible," Sankaran said.For Vijayaraj, who represents Chennai Turbo Riders in the Indian Racing League, the motivation came from his childhood interest in cars and racing.

Representing India at the highest level remains a central part of his ambition."It&#x27;s not just about choosing Indian motorsport, it&#x27;s about the love for cars and the love for the sport which I have had since I was a kid.

Since I am from India, obviously I need to represent my country at the highest level," Vijayaraj said.<div data-pos="0" class="id-r-component iIpbx undefined Balancing racing with education and personal life has been one of Sankaran&#x27;s biggest challenges.

Racing calendars can leave young drivers with little time for school, college and family, particularly once the season gets underway."There is a lot of missing out on the schooling side and a lot of missing out on college nowadays.

These events are not like tennis or cricket, where you have to practise every day. But when the season starts, it becomes quite hectic," he explained.Preparation continues even when he is away from the circuit."There&#x27;s a lot of training and restrictions on diet on the other side.

And I also practise a lot on the simulator. When I am off track, I basically practise on the simulator trying to improve for the season," he added.Limited testing, learning from international drivers Moving through the junior racing categories and getting closer to Formula 1 requires considerable financial backing.

Vijayaraj acknowledged that the financial realities of the sport, coupled with age, can make it difficult for drivers to continue progressing."Formula 1 is always a dream. But at times, when age catches up or reality hits, it becomes really difficult because we struggle with finances and everything.

That is the only support which we don&#x27;t get enough," Vijayaraj said.He believes India already has drivers capable of competing at a higher level but needs to do more to support them."There are a lot of experienced and really good Indian drivers who are capable of showcasing India at the highest level possible in the world.

The drivers are here. You can see them on the grid right now. They just need enough support from the country so that they can represent India internationally," he added.<div data-pos="0" class="id-r-component iIpbx undefined Sankaran, meanwhile, is looking at the next steps in his career.

Having competed in Indian F4 last year, he wants to progress through the junior categories and eventually reach Formula 1. He is also looking for sponsors and brands willing to back his ambitions."So, I am looking to go up the ranks and reach the F1 ladder.

Obviously, next year I am looking for getting sponsors and brands to, you know, invest in me and be the face of me when I reach F1. So, main goal is F1," Sankaran said.The youngster is also a big admirer of Max Verstappen, whose aggressive driving style influenced his interest in Formula 1."I am a big fan of Max Verstappen.

And I have taken his number. Number 33 every time I race, I have been loving him. Loving his driving style, his aggression ever since I started watching. And he is the main reason why I started watching as well," Sankaran concluded.<div data-pos="0" class="id-r-component iIpbx undefined Buddh International Circuit: A special return for Indian racers Racing returned to the Buddh International Circuit after 13 years, giving Indian drivers an opportunity to compete at the country&#x27;s only Formula 1-grade circuit.

For Vijayaraj, the weekend brought back memories of watching some of the sport&#x27;s biggest names race at the venue.He had previously competed at the circuit during the National Championship in 2019. Returning after six years was a special experience."Walking down the pits and everything, it is just like collecting the memories from television of where the greatest drivers like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel used to walk around here and race," he said."Being here is the best feeling an Indian driver could ever have.

Coming back here after six years is the best feeling ever. It is like bringing back all the memories and reliving them again."Vijayaraj also believes a Formula...