Indian Motorsports
EXCLUSIVE: In Conversation with Akshay Gupta Before he Takes on the Famed Green Hell
We had the opportunity to ask Akshay Gupta some questions before he takes on the iconic Green Hell in the world of racing.
We had the opportunity to speak to Akshay Gupta before he takes on one of the most gruelling endurance races in the world, the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. We discussed everything from his story of how he got here and how there is much more motorsports has to offer outside of Formula 1.
For those who don’t know you yet, can you tell us a bit about your background and how your motorsport journey began?
My name is Akshay Gupta, and I am currently racing in the Production car class & TCR class of the Nurburgring Endurance Championship (formerly VLN), while doing other endurance races across the world. My goal right now is to conquer The Green Hell. I want to set lap records here and win championships before I move on to other racing tracks and championships across the world.
I am also a tech entrepreneur who built a Connected Car startup focusing on the consumer market and sold it to Spinny in December 2021. I love building companies as much as I love racing cars.
Was there a moment when you thought to yourself that this wasn’t just a hobby, but something you could pursue professionally?
A lot of times. When I was doing the Nissan GT Academy, my laptimes in a completely new car, on the first lap, were faster than their factory driver on a couple of occasions.
Last year, doing my first ever race with the team, on a track like Nurburgring, I closed the gap to the last year’s champion within a few laps, and we had very close competition throughout the year. By the end of the year, we were beating them.
Regularly, in our class, we have drivers like WTCC champion, World Karting Champion, LeMans winners, ex-F1 drivers, and F2 drivers who have competed to gain their license. My laptimes were always faster than all of them. Yes, one can argue that for them it isn’t as serious since they are competing in the class to get their license. But as racing drivers, we are always trying to get the best out of the car.
After you measure yourself against so many drivers on so many occasions, you start thinking if this can be more than a hobby. To be honest, most of my racing is partly funded by the teams, so I’m already doing it semi-professionally.
What is one thing you love about being a racing driver, and one thing you hate about being a racing driver?
The feeling when you’re inside the car, the mind-body sync, it’s like you’re in a different dimension, there’s this disconnect between you and the world. I absolutely love it. I’m addicted to it. There’s this quote, “Racing makes Heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty” I’ve had this on my wall for a few years now. I wouldn’t want to degrade the love I have for the sport by comparing it to a drug addiction, but there’s no other analogy that I find apt to describe how addictive it really is. The feeling.
I hate everything that it takes to get there (laughs).. like every sport, the hours of training and rehab, the hours of making the money, travelling half way across the world 13-14 times a year, living in multiple time zones, the chaos of building & breaking racecars and the operations of it, the amount of money this all takes. It’s just exhausting. It’s funny how we spend 99% of the time in misery for those few hours of pure joy.
That to me is motor racing.
You stepped away from motorsport to build a startup, and returned to racing just six days after it was acquired. What was going through your mind while you were away from motorsports, and what brought you back? Or was it always the goal to build the startup and then fund your own racing?
I always dreamt of racing cars again. By the end of the 5th or 6th year, the literal dreams had started fading, but I always knew that I was partly building it to get back behind the wheel. There were other motivators, I’ve this idealistic side in me which wants to solve a lot of world problems, and at that time, I had started my business wanting to partly solve the road safety problems in the country.
But the thing that drove me the most to endure the pain and suffering that is running a business is another poster in my room which had this image of the cockpit of my dream racecar, the Porsche 911 RSR, and a line underneath it that said, “Racing is a life sentence”..
That motivated me for all those years.
The moment I got the cheque, I knew what I wanted to spend it on.
There’s this funny incident: I was hanging out with friends, and the wife of my closest friend told me that once I get married, my wife will make me stop racing, and I said it wouldn’t happen. We were on the verge of making a large bet on this, and my friend jumped into the conversation and told his wife that no one can convince this fool to stop racing in this world. This guy knows me the most, so that sums up my relationship with motorsport.
How did the opportunity to race in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring for the first time come about?
I always wanted to do the 24 hours. Last year, I couldn’t do it because I had not fully recovered from my hand surgeries and broken ribs. I broke my ribs in June, and the race was within a month. I didn’t want to take a chance because I’d broken the same rib back to back in a period of one month.
This year, we had a major crash in the last NLS race (May), and there wasn’t enough time left to prepare the car. So, I started speaking to other teams. There were a few offers, but AsBest made the most lucrative one. The prospect of going into the biggest race of the year with a team and car you know well, offering you such lucrative terms, was too good to reject.
Tell us about the team and the car you’re driving this weekend.
I’m competing with AsBest Racing in the Cupra Leon TCR. The TCR spec cars are used worldwide in various competitions, including the World Touring Car Championship (one of the 4/5 world champions crowned at the annual FIA prize-giving ceremony)
Compared to what I usually race, the Hyundai i30N Production spec racecar, the TCR is much faster and easier. It weighs 300kg less, has 50-70 more horsepower, a lot of downforce, race ABS, completely different suspension geometry, and you are sitting right behind the B pillar.
It should be 40 seconds faster around the ring than the production car and quite close to a GT4 car in speed.
What are your goals for this race, and also long-term, somewhere down the line, in a few years?
My goal is always to win. It’s a familiar car (Dubai) and a very, very familiar track! The teammates are familiar. The team is familiar. I think we should have the pace to win this one if all goes well. But it’s endurance racing and it is Nurburgring, so even if you’re the fastest outright by a mile, a win is not guaranteed. So, I’m here to give it my all.
This year, I’ll be testing GT4 cars with some teams. The idea is to decide whether I want to go GT4 or TCR for the next 3-4 years. TCR is something I’ve tried and enjoyed, but it has been a while since I drove a GT4 car, maybe a decade. Geographically, I want to continue racing in Europe for a few more years and then move to the Americas.
I might end up buying a car in the next few years. I’m working on something. It’s much better financially that way.
Of course, the ultimate goal is to race in GT3 cars across the world and win every single iconic race!
For someone who is just starting out in his racing career and wants to one day race in the 24h of Nurburgring, what would your advice be?
Look beyond F1. In the last 2 years of racing at the ring, I might have met 100s of drivers, and it’s astonishing to see how many of those drivers make a living racing at the Nurburgring alone. There are so many parallel ladders to explore apart from the usual F4>F3>F2>F1 ladder. Yes, you’ll get the best talent in the world competing with you over there, and that will hone your skills to do better, but it will also burn the biggest hole in your pocket.
There are so many ways to climb up the ladder of becoming a professional racing driver while spending 1/20th of the amount that the F1 ladder will take, with maybe 50-60 times better odds at making it.
Majorly, it’s not just about speed in the racecar. You’ve got to have the right attitude, learn how to work with the team and engineers, set up the car, and have a good relationship with everyone, including the co-drivers. Network and know everyone in the paddock. Opportunities knock. You’ve got to place yourself in the best position to grab them.
I would say that if you get everything right and are talented, you can find yourself with a factory seat on shoe shoestring budget too.
Akshay’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, and it shows the next generation of racing drivers who want to be professionals that there is a big world of motorsports out there, outside of Formula 1. Here is wishing Akshay good luck for his upcoming race and whatever he has next in the future.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
F1 Academy
Arshi Gupta becomes the youngest ever driver to be selected by F1 Academy Discover Your Drive programme
9-year-old Arshi Gupta has made history by becoming the youngest-ever driver selected for F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive (DYD) program.
Arshi Gupta has made history by becoming the youngest-ever driver selected for F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive (DYD) program. The Karting Driver from Faridabad, Haryana, was crowned the only Female Karting Champion in Asia last year after winning the 2025 National Karting Championship in the Micro Max class. Arshi started karting at the age of 7. She also became the youngest driver to obtain a racing licence at 7 years, 5 months, and 18 days, earning her a spot in the India Book of Records.
Arshi Gupta started competing professionally in 2024, taking part in her first National Karting Championship. In 2025, she raced in the Middle East, competing in the IAME Series UAE and the Rotax Max Challenge UAE, gaining experience among some of the world’s best racers. She returned to India later that year to compete in the National Karting Championship, also known as the Rotax Max Challenge India, and went on to win the title. Arshi also represented India on the Asia-Pacific stage, competing at the Asia-Pacific Motorsports Games in Sri Lanka in 2025.
In 2026, Arshi has already made her way to the United Kingdom to compete against the best of the best in racing. This year, she also joined the esteemed F1 Academy DYD program.
The Discover Your Drive program is an initiative by F1 Academy to increase the pool of female talent in motorsports, both on and off the track. Up to 27 young female drivers will be supported by the F1 Academy, and Arshi Gupta becomes the youngest girl to join the DYD program. Through the DYD program, Arshi will be supported in the British Champions of the Future Academy Program, which will run across four rounds.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Indian GP To Return Soon? How Realistic Are the Chances
Speculation around the return of the Indian GP is gaining momentum once again, with government interest, circuit discussions, and growing Formula 1 popularity in India fueling optimism. But how realistic is an F1 comeback?
Indian GP to return soon? The chatter around the revival of the Indian Grand Prix and bringing Formula 1 back to India has started once again, but will it finally materialise this time, or will it remain another wave of optimism that slowly fades away?
Table of Contents
Over the past decade, discussions about Formula 1’s return to India have surfaced multiple times, often driven by growing fan interest and expanding digital viewership. The previous stint of the Indian Grand Prix, held between 2011 and 2013, ended not due to a lack of audience enthusiasm but because of financial, taxation, and logistical complications that made the event unsustainable.
A New Wave of Optimism?
On Tuesday, February 2, 2026, India Today reported that the Government of India is keen to bring Formula 1 back to the country after more than a decade. The report also stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is working toward easing the tax burdens and bureaucratic hurdles that previously contributed to the discontinuation of the Indian GP.
According to sources within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has already visited the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida and held discussions with officials regarding the potential revival of the event.
“The sports minister visited the Buddh International Circuit last week and discussed timelines for restarting the event. He has instructed the owners to identify an event management company to oversee operations for the next two to three years. Once the process gains momentum, tax-related issues are also expected to be addressed,” the sources said.
Interest from Formula One Management (FOM)?
In February 2024, reports from Formula 1 journalist Joe Saward indicated that Formula One Management (FOM) was open to returning to India in the near future, provided the necessary commercial, logistical, and regulatory conditions were met.
Reported Government-Level Support?
In April 2024, journalist Joe Saward wrote in his newsletter that the Indian Grand Prix had backing from the highest levels of the Indian government. However, he also noted that several issues affecting the previous edition of the race were still concerns, including fears about equipment seizures related to tax disputes. According to Saward, such uncertainties have historically made Formula 1 cautious about returning unless regulatory clarity and administrative processes improve. He added that, if conditions were to align in the future, a potential venue could be considered in the home state of the current Indian Prime Minister.
GIFT City Racetrack Plans Face a Roadblock
In January 2024, the Government of Gujarat issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) titled “Appointment of an agency for undertaking a feasibility study and preparation of a master plan for an F1 circuit at GIFT City.” The proposal outlined a preliminary target of hosting a potential first event around 2028, subject to the study outcomes and subsequent approvals.
However, just over six months after the Request for Proposal was issued, plans to build a Formula 1 circuit at Gujarat’s GIFT City reportedly came to a halt. Reports suggested that the existing urban layout of GIFT City could make it challenging to design a track that meets Formula 1 standards due to structural and planning constraints. In addition, the project was expected to require significant financial investment, with cost estimates for constructing a compliant circuit ranging from Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore, raising further feasibility concerns.
Renewed F1 Talks Following MotoGP’s 2023 Debut
After hosting India’s first MotoGP race in 2023, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) stated that discussions with Formula 1 organisers were likely to take place in the near future.
However, no further public updates followed this announcement, suggesting that the talks did not progress into any confirmed developments, and the momentum gradually subsided. The future of MotoGP in India also became uncertain, as the event did not return to the country after its inaugural 2023 season.
Is the Return of Formula 1 to India Realistic?
From today’s news and updates, it appears momentum is gradually building toward bringing the pinnacle of motorsport back to India. However, even if plans move forward smoothly, Formula One Management (FOM) would still face the complex task of finding space on an already crowded calendar.
With the current regulations allowing a maximum of 24 races per season, adding a new Grand Prix would likely require replacing an existing event or waiting for contract cycles to end. Several circuits are already tied to long-term agreements that extend into the 2030s, with some deals reportedly running through 2041. As a result, securing a realistic slot for the Indian Grand Prix in the near term could prove challenging, making a return more plausible toward the latter part of the decade rather than immediately.
However, it is still wise to approach these developments with cautious optimism. Conversations about the revival of the Indian Grand Prix are not new, and in the past, similar waves of reports and discussions have surfaced without materialising into a confirmed race.
The Curious Case of Formula 1 in India
If you’d like a deeper look into the story behind Formula 1’s rise and sudden exit from India, we’ve covered the entire journey in a dedicated video titled “The Curious Case of F1 in India.” It explores the key events, challenges, and decisions that shaped the sport’s presence in the country.
Watch it here to understand what really happened:
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Indian Motorsports
Goa Street Circuit Moves to a New Venue for 2026
Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd, along with the Government of Goa, has confirmed a venue change for the upcoming Goa Street Circuit. The event will now take place at Mopa, with the first race scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026. The street circuit was originally planned to be held in Bogda, Vasco da Gama, but protests in the region led to the venue being shifted.
Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd and the Government of Goa have announced a change in venue for the Goa Street Circuit. The event will now be held at Mopa, with the first race scheduled for 14 and 15 February. The street circuit was initially planned for Bogda. However, following protests in the area, the venue was moved to Mopa.
The Initially Proposed Venue
The originally proposed location for the Goa Street Circuit was Bogda, a locality in Vasco da Gama. The event was projected as a significant milestone, with the circuit being described as South Asia’s first oceanfront racetrack.
Speaking on the project, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated that the Goa government would spend Rs. 52 crore on the international motorsport event, which was planned to be held in the state for three years. He also said the organisers, Racing Promotions Private Limited, would invest Rs. 176 crore, with the majority of the government’s contribution allocated to infrastructure development.
The Protests
Plans for the proposed oceanfront street circuit were affected following protests by local activists. Concerns were raised about the inconvenience to area residents, with calls to cancel the event. Following this, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant announced that the event would be postponed and relocated to a new venue.
The New Venue
The new venue is located just outside Manohar International Airport (GOX), with the proposed street circuit situated on airport property. The track is expected to feature 12 turns and run clockwise.
The First Race
The Goa Street Circuit will host its first race during Round 4 of the Indian Racing League, scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026.
The Goa round was initially scheduled for November 2025. Due to protests at the originally proposed venue, the location was changed, and the event was deferred to the 2026 season.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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