From Pit Stops to Podiums: How Formula 1 Racing and Go-Karting are Gearing Up in India

India's youth culture has always been driven by waves of international phenomena—from Bollywood's golden era to the K-pop explosion of the 2020s. Today, a new obsession is taking hold: Formula 1 racing and go-karting. The recent Grand Prix seasons have witnessed an unprecedented surge in Instagram story shares across Indian accounts, with F1 content flooding social media feeds—a clear indicator of the sport's rising cultural currency. What was once considered an elite, niche sport has transformed into a mainstream cultural movement, particularly among young Indians who seek high-octane experiences that blend adrenaline with social connectivity.

This isn't merely about watching races on television anymore. Young Indians are actively participating in go-karting, attending F1 screenings at trendy venues, and building communities around motorsport culture. The phenomenon mirrors the fervent dedication, complete with group viewings, merchandise culture, and an almost religious following of drivers and teams. From bustling karting tracks in Delhi and Mumbai to packed screening events at upscale restaurants, F1 has evolved from a spectator sport into a lifestyle choice for India's digitally-native generation.

Racing Through Indian History

India's motorsport journey began with the Madras Motor Race Track at Irungattukottai, Chennai, which served as the country's first permanent circuit. The real momentum, however, came in 1997 when JK Tyre built the first professional karting tracks, hosting championships with four-stroke karts on tracks in Faridabad, Delhi, and Hiranandani Gardens in Mumbai. By 2000, national series like the JK Tyre National Karting Championship and Formula Maruti were providing a platform for future F1 racers.

The crowning achievement came with the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, which hosted the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013. These three years marked a golden period for Indian motorsport, bringing global attention to the country's racing potential. However, the scene took a massive hit post-2013 when the Indian Grand Prix was dropped from the Formula One calendar, leaving many to believe that F1 racing in India had reached a dead end.

Indian talent has consistently made its mark on the global stage. Narain Karthikeyan became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race, whilst recently, Kush Maini made history at the Monaco F2 sprint in 2025. The landscape has also seen remarkable progress in women's motorsport, with Shriya Lohia becoming the first Indian female F4 racer, and Arshi Gupta making headlines as the first youngest Indian female go-kart driver to receive a Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) licence at just seven years old.

Despite the setback of losing the Indian Grand Prix, things slowly started reviving from 2014 onwards. Thanks to more accessible go-karting tracks, heightened interest from Indian youth, and the viral influence of shows like Netflix's "Drive to Survive," F1 racing and go-karting began experiencing a remarkable comeback. The scene is no longer niche—it's a growing community supported by weekend rental karting and races like Formula 4 India (2023), all pushing the sport forward.

The F1 industry in India represents massive untapped economic potential, with Formula 1's Indian fanbase now reaching an estimated 60 million viewers. A 2011 Assocham report projected that the return of an Indian Grand Prix could generate ₹10,000 crores in immediate business and ₹90,000 crores over a decade, whilst creating 1.5 million job opportunities. With the global F1 market valued at $2.45 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $3.61 billion by 2031, India's absence from the calendar represents a significant missed opportunity for both economic growth and motorsport development.

Industry Voices: Beyond the Track

Major Indian corporations are positioning themselves within the F1 ecosystem, signalling serious commercial interest in the sport's return. Tata Communications plays a crucial role in enabling F1's global broadcast reach, whilst IndianOil is reportedly exploring entry into F1 fuel production alongside established players like Petronas and Shell. JK Tyre continues its decades-long association with Indian motorsport through karting championships, and with Apple bidding $150 million annually for US F1 streaming rights, the commercial stakes around Formula 1 content and partnerships have never been higher.

The transformation of India's motorsport landscape is perhaps best understood through the voices of those who've witnessed and shaped its evolution. Priyanka Jain, Co-founder and Director Marketing at Snow World Entertainment, which operates Formula Karting, says, "When we launched Formula Karting, we could feel a lack of awareness amongst people and also a bit of hesitation." 

"Many guests were unsure about the intensity of the drive, the sharp turns, or the professional-grade environment. Karting was still seen as something for daredevils or experts. But over time, as awareness grew, we saw a clear transformation," Jain adds. 

The demographic shift has been particularly striking. "Today, we see parents bringing their teenagers, groups of friends in their teens and twenties, corporate teams, and families making karting as their new exploring partner," she notes. "The sport is no longer limited to racers or adrenaline junkies; it's now something that's widely embraced by everyone who's looking for a high-energy, social, and exciting experience."

This evolution hasn't happened in isolation. According to Amanpreet Ahluwalia, a back-to-back National Go-Karting Champion in 2002 and 2003, "Go-karting was never mainstream; it was more of a fun activity for people, with only 5% of the crowd truly taking it seriously." he added "There are a few karting tracks in Delhi that occasionally host karting events to encourage new talent. Tracks in Chennai and Coimbatore use serious 2-stroke karts for competitive races."

However, the enthusiasm of young racers and brands such as MSport and Birel ART India is taking Indian karting to the next level. “I believe if you are really serious about something, you should put in your 200%, no matter what the outcome is. So, train your mind and body, and leave the rest to D-day,” Amanpreet shares, reflecting on his experience of competing in over 30 races.

For beginners, he adds, “Karting is a stepping stone to any form of motorsport—handling, corners, apex, entry slow, exit faster—just all basics. But there is no given guarantee… all are different formats. I was the lucky one, though, who won in all three.” Still, support remains an issue. “100% way more support is needed. Till the time India doesn’t see motorsport as a sport, there is no hope.”

The infrastructure has also evolved significantly. Sagitta Karts, India's first go-kart manufacturer, recalled that when they started in 1998, “karting in India was virtually non-existent.” At the time, racing was mostly confined to the South, and “Formula 1 was not introduced to India.” The turning point came when karting moved beyond just serious racers.

“Today, karting isn't just a sport—it’s a weekend experience, a team-building activity, and building blocks for aspiring racers.”

Amanpreet adds, “Motorsport is an expensive hobby. Funding plays an essential role, and parents need to understand that this sport has no future in India unless the driver goes international.” Despite the cost, the popularity of go-karting and F1 racing in India is undeniable. “Participation has grown with the rise of recreational tracks and increased exposure,” says Sagitta Karts. They operated in a market that had almost no understanding of what F1 racing is. “There was a clear gap—no domestic manufacturer was addressing the need for affordable, durable, and performance-ready karts.”

The impact of popular culture cannot be understated. "Shows like Drive to Survive and other high-intensity sports series have made motorsports feel more dreamy and aspirational," Jain observes. "Formula Karting has become the go-to destination for these audiences to step into the world they've seen on screen."

Today's Formula Karting experience represents a significant upgrade from earlier offerings. "We surely have invested a lot in quality and comfort. Our fleet includes the latest SODI RT10 karts and RT8 karts, which feature patented Easy Drive technology, offering smooth, precise handling for both amateurs and experienced riders," Jain explains. The facility has also introduced innovative formats like their "Drift & Drunch initiative," where high-adrenaline karting sessions are paired with social experiences, bringing together speed and entertainment.

The Culture of Speed: Fandom, Screenings, and Community

The F1 craze in India has transcended mere viewership to become a genuine cultural phenomenon. Young Indians are gathering at venues like SOCIAL across the nation for F1 race screenings, creating communities that rival the passionate fandoms of other global entertainment properties. The F1 Commune, which hosts regular screening events, has become a cornerstone of this growing culture.

"I never thought I'd be this invested in a sport," says Ravi Taneja, a 24-year-old software engineer from Bangalore who recently attended the F1 screening event at Indiranagar SOCIAL conducted by F1 Commune. "But there's something about the strategy, the speed, and the drama that just pulls you in. Our F1 screening group has become like a family—we meet every race weekend, dissect every move, and celebrate like we're actually at the paddock."

The recent Brad Pitt movie, F1, has further amplified this interest. "When the Brad Pitt F1 film was announced, our entire group was buzzing," explains Priya Malhotra, a marketing executive from Delhi who regularly keeps track of everything F1-related religiously, rivalling even most dedicated music fandoms. "It's not just about the racing anymore; it's about the lifestyle, the glamour, and the global culture that F1 represents. We've already booked tickets for the premiere screening."

This cultural shift extends beyond passive consumption. "The racetracks which were dedicated to championships only have now become accessible to the general public," notes Sagitta Karts. "Many now treat go-karting not only as a sport but also as a weekend experience, or a way to get kids introduced to motorsport."

The community aspect has become particularly important for young women entering the space. "I started watching F1 because my friends were into it, but now I'm planning to try go-karting myself," says Ananya Kapoor, a 22-year-old student from Mumbai, who also runs a fandom page for her F1 "bias", as she calls it, Charles Leclerc. "Seeing women like Shriya Lohia making it in racing has shown us that this isn't just a boys' club anymore."

According to Priyanka Jain, this cultural evolution was always the goal. "At Formula Karting, we've been consistently focused on building the brand into a high-performance, experience-first destination—one that captures the thrill of racing while introducing unique, motorsport-centric formats that elevate the guest experience."

The industry recognises that this cultural moment represents more than a passing trend. As Sagitta Karts observes, "From performance-focused karts to designs that now consider safety, aesthetics, and comfort, karting in India has come a long way. A big milestone was the karts becoming safer and easier to drive."

For Formula Karting, the vision extends beyond immediate entertainment. "We're actively working towards long-term cultural collaborations with global music platforms like Boiler Room and Mixmag to introduce immersive, motorsport-inspired festivals that feel globally relevant," Jain reveals. "These initiatives make Formula Karting look more than just a track."

This cultural transformation suggests that F1 and karting in India are positioning themselves not just as sports or entertainment, but as integral parts of youth culture. The combination of accessible participation through go-karting, community building through screenings, and aspirational content through media has created a perfect storm for motorsport culture to flourish in India. As the country's youth continue to seek experiences that blend adrenaline, social connection, and global relevance, F1 and karting appear perfectly positioned to accelerate into the mainstream.