Formula 1
F1 Revival in South East Asia: Racing Returns?
South East Asia: A Promising region for Formula 1 South East Asia has long been a hub for Formula 1, with notable events like the Indian Grand Prix (2011-2013) and the Malaysian Grand Prix, which has been a staple since 1999 up until 2017, drawing significant attention from motorsport enthusiasts. The Indian Grand Prix held at the Buddh International Circuit, showcased the region’s potential by attracting large crowds and significant international interest during its short tenure. Similarly, the Malaysian Grand Prix, held between 1999 and 2017 at the Sepang International Circuit, provided fans with some of the most memorable races in F1 history due to its challenging track layout and unpredictable weather conditions. The Sepang track still holds MotoGP races where legendary rider Valentino Rossi has taken victory seven times. The Sepang track is also the host of many endurance races, like the Asian Le Mans Series, The Sepang 1000 km, and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Despite this interest, various challenges, such as logistical issues, financial constraints, and political factors, have prevented the region from becoming a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar. This has been a source of disappointment for local fans who crave the high-octane thrill of F1 cars racing through their cities and the economic boost such events typically bring. However, recent developments from Liberty Media, the owner of the Formula One Group, offer a glimmer of hope for fans in this region. Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, has hinted that a race in South East Asia is increasingly likely. This is particularly exciting news for F1 enthusiasts in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, all of which have shown a keen interest in hosting such an event. Maffei’s statements have reignited discussions among local motorsport authorities and business stakeholders about the feasibility and benefits of hosting F1 races.
Potential Venues for Races
Malaysia: Should Formula 1 make a return to Malaysia, the Sepang International Circuit is the favored venue. Known for its two long straights connected by a tight hairpin, Sepang has been the site of some of the most thrilling races in F1 history. The circuit, also known as the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, would be a perfect fit given that Petronas is a major sponsor of the Mercedes F1 team.
Sepang’s infrastructure is well-equipped to handle the logistics of an F1 race, with its modern facilities and history of hosting major international events. The track’s combination of high-speed sections and technical corners presents a significant challenge for drivers, adding to the excitement for spectators. Moreover, Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it an accessible destination for international fans. This is the venue for the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (2024), the Asian Le Mans Series, The Sepang 1000 kms, and the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
Indonesia: For an Indonesian Grand Prix, the Sentul International Circuit is the top candidate. This 3.9 km track features a sharp right-hand first turn and a total of 11 turns. Though it has never hosted a Formula 1 race, it has a history with GP2 events, with Bruno Senna holding the race lap record. Sentul shows great promise as a new F1 venue, with potential upgrades to meet F1 standards. Its location near Jakarta, a major urban center, could attract a large local and international audience. The Indonesian government’s support for motorsports and ongoing infrastructure development in the region further enhance Sentul’s viability as a host for an F1 race. The circuit’s unique layout, which blends fast straights with tight corners, promises to deliver an exciting spectacle for racing fans.
Indonesia has another option to hold a Formula 1 race, at the Mandalika Circuit, the host of the Indonesian MotoGP Grand Prix. Descriptions of Indonesia’s Mandalika MotoGP and World Superbike-hosting track as a ‘street circuit’ are somewhat misleading; rather, this is a purpose-built race track that incorporates some existing public roads and is then handed over for normal traffic usage when not used for racing. This 16-turn, 4.3 km long track gives some very interesting bike races and may even make for a good Formula 1 race track.
Thailand: The Chang International Circuit, also known as the Buriram International Circuit, is the obvious choice for a Thai Grand Prix. This 4.5 km track, with its 12 turns and wide straights, has hosted several MotoGP races, including the event where Marc Marquez secured his eighth world title. A Formula 1 race here would certainly be a spectacle, offering fans a mix of speed and technical challenges. The track’s long pit lane with a tricky entrance adds another layer of complexity, making it a suitable venue for F1. Additionally, Buriram’s robust tourism infrastructure and Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination could boost attendance and international interest in the event. The circuit’s design, which emphasizes overtaking opportunities and high-speed action, is well-suited for the demands of F1 racing. It has recently hosted a race in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia.
India: While discussing Formula 1 in SE Asia, we cannot forget India. India is a country of 1.4 billion people, filled with adrenaline junkies and octane thrill-seeking fans. Just this weekend, Mumbai hosted a drag racing series at the Juhu Airport runway! This drag race was previously held since the 1970s, stopped for some reasons, and has now been finally renewed. The Hyderabad E-Prix, a wonderfully organized street race through Lumbini Park on the banks of Sagar Hussain Lake, not only fulfilled the dreams of Indians to see a street race in India but also boosted the local economy by a whopping $84 million. Another instance in which motorsport in India would be discussed is the age-old Madras Motor Racetrack. Work began in the 1980s and was finally inaugurated in 1990. This track served as the backbone of Indian motorsport. This FIA-certified Grade 2 track still holds regional races like the MRF championship. Unfortunately, this track cannot hold Formula 1 races as it is a Grade 2 track and only Grade 1 tracks are eligible to hold Formula 1 races. However, there is another track in India which can and has in the past held Formula 1 races. The Buddh International Circuit, located in Noida, hosted races between 2011 and 2013, all of them won by Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, who celebrated winning his fourth title at this very track.
Due to political interference and bureaucracy, the races stopped. But, during the launch of Formula 1 and Fancode’s streaming partnership, Formula 1 released data showing there are 100 million fans in India of the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1. In the last four years, the sport has grown from 60 million to 100 million fans. Seeing this outburst of fans in India, the Formula One Group may even think about returning to the subcontinent. Currently, there are two under-construction race tracks being built: CoASTT High Performance in Coimbatore and Bren Raceway in Bengaluru. These are not Grade 1 circuits but are circuits of lower grade, helping to create a junior series of motorsport infrastructure in the country.
Vietnam: Vietnam has recently become a top choice for a tourist destination due to its cheap flight tickets, lower food and stay costs, making it a beautiful foreign destination for family trips with delicious food. Adding our favorite organic compound—octane—Vietnam was all set to host the Vietnam Grand Prix in 2020, sponsored by Vinfast at the Hanoi circuit, but 2020 was the year of the coronavirus, and the race was canceled. After that, it was indefinitely postponed. This 5.6 km track with 22 turns was all set to provide a banger weekend, but it wasn’t possible. This track contains one very long back straight, complemented by two medium-long straights. It is filled with high-speed bends and a very long hairpin. All these factors make this track a personal favorite among all these tracks. Until its formation, it hasn’t seen much track action, except a few regional bike and car championships. Weather Considerations The weather in Southeast Asia is notoriously unpredictable, which could add an extra layer of excitement to the races. The region’s climate can swiftly change from scorching sunshine to heavy rains, potentially affecting race strategies and outcomes. Teams would need to prepare for a wide range of conditions, making these races uniquely challenging and thrilling for both drivers and spectators. Rain, in particular, has historically added drama and unpredictability to F1 races, as seen in past events at Sepang, where sudden downpours have led to unexpected results and dramatic moments on track. The ability to adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions will be crucial for teams, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability that enhances the overall spectacle.
When can these races take place?
While the prospect of new F1 races in Southeast Asia is thrilling, these events are unlikely to materialize before 2026-27, as the 2025 calendar is already set. Organizers will face stiff competition from the expanding number of American GPs, which are increasingly popular. If these Southeast Asian races do come to fruition, they could be scheduled at the start of the season, following the East Asian rounds in China and Japan, to optimize logistics and fuel efficiency. This scheduling would make the races more affordable and accessible for fans, including those from neighboring countries like India, potentially drawing a larger crowd and increasing the region’s appeal to global motorsport audiences. Additionally, aligning the Southeast Asian races with the East Asian rounds could reduce transportation costs and logistical complexities for the teams, making it a more sustainable option for the sport. Stay tuned to Desiracingcompany for updates on whether these exciting developments will come to pass, bringing F1 action back to Southeast Asian tracks and fulfilling the dreams of many local F1 fans. The potential return of F1 to this vibrant and diverse region promises not only to reignite local interest in motorsports but also to showcase South East Asia’s capacity to host world-class events, further integrating it into the global F1 calendar.
Formula 1
How did Kush Maini perform in the Formula 1 post-season test?
Kush Maini became only the third Indian driver to take part in an official Formula 1 session, after Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
Kush Maini got a chance to drive Alpine’s 2025 challenger, the A525 in the post-season young driver test on Tuesday following the Abu Dhabi GP. This marked his first time driving a modern Formula 1 machinery, as the previous F1 tests were part of the ‘Testing Previous Cars’ programme. He also became the third Indian driver to take part in a official Formula 1 session, which is more than a decade later.
How were the test cars different from the ones used in 2025 Abu Dhabi GP weekend?
Regular drivers and rookie drivers ran two different types of cars during the test. A mule car adapted to approximate 2026 performance levels was assigned to the senior and more experienced drivers, while lightly modified 2025 cars were used by the young and rookie drivers. It’s also worth noting that a 290-300 kmph speed limit was enforced throughout the test. It should also be noted that the lap times are not representative, as each team follows different run plan and testing objectives set by Pirelli.
The Morning session
Kush Maini took to the track for the first time in modern Formula 1 machinery and set a best time of 1:27.544, just a tenth of a second slower than Pierre Gasly’s 1:27.433. Desi Racing Co understands that both drivers were on a similar run plan and that there was no significant difference in the tyre compounds used.
The Afternoon session
Kush Maini headed out in the afternoon session for two race runs alongside Pierre Gasly. We understand that on one of Maini’s runs, he was quicker than Gasly, while on the second he matched Gasly’s pace. After completing the two runs, Maini’s day came to an end, while Gasly stayed on track for one additional race run.
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
Red Bull Promote Arvid Lindblad to Formula 1, a Driver with Indian Heritage
Red Bull has promoted junior driver Arvid Lindblad to Formula 1, confirming that he will join their sister outfit, Racing Bulls, for the 2026 season.
Eighteen-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad has been promoted to Formula 1 for the 2026 season and will line up for Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s junior team. Lindblad also carries a notable link to India through his mother’s side, a heritage he has acknowledged proudly while speaking about his family background.
Early career
His first full season in cars came in 2023, when he contested the Formula 4 UAE Championship and the Italian F4 Championship. Strong early results, including six wins and a dominant triple victory at Monza, helped establish his reputation. He capped off his F4 campaign by winning the Macau F4 World Cup, a prestigious non-championship event that often serves as a proving ground for future stars.
In 2024, Lindblad stepped into FIA Formula 3 with Prema Racing and delivered one of the standout rookie seasons in memory. A victory in Bahrain made him the youngest F3 winner in history, and a double win at Silverstone underscored his racecraft and maturity. Finishing 4th in the standings and earning the Aramco Best Rookie Award solidified his place among the category’s elite.
The momentum carried into 2025 as he advanced to FIA Formula 2 with Campos Racing. Once again, he made history, claiming a milestone win in Jeddah to become the youngest race winner in F2. Two victories, four podiums, and a 7th-place championship finish highlighted a season of rapid learning and refinement. His trajectory was further validated when he received special dispensation to make his Formula 1 practice debut for Red Bull Racing at Silverstone — an opportunity rarely granted to drivers so early in their careers.
Indian connection
Born in London to a Swedish father and an Indian mother, Arvid Lindblad grew up in a home shaped by more than one culture. His mother, Anita, comes from an Indian family, and that background has remained a quiet but steady part of his life. Arvid Anand Olof Lindblad’s Indian roots come from his mother’s side of the family, a detail he has acknowledged openly when speaking about his upbringing.
“I’m very proud of my Indian heritage. My mum is Indian and I’m very proud of that. I carry that with me.”- Arvid Lindblad
His mother, Anita Ahuja, adds that while Arvid may not wear his Indian identity on his sleeve, it is reflected in the confidence and clarity with which he is navigating his career at such a young age.
“He’s incredibly close to his grandparents, my parents. My mom is Sikh, my dad is Hindu. My husband Stefan and I were married in a Hindu ceremony and a Christian ceremony, and both my sons were baptised in the Church, Gurudwara and Temple. Arvid himself isn’t probably aware of it, but he has deep Indian values – work hard, be humble and be grateful for all we have,” she says.
The closest to an Indian F1 driver?
Although Arvid Lindblad doesn’t race under the Indian flag, he may be the closest connection India has to a Formula 1 driver in the near future. At the moment, it seems unlikely that Kush Maini will get a full-time F1 seat, and the next group of Indian talents are still early in their careers.
Akshay Bohra and Dion Gowda have only just completed their first season in Formula Regional in 2025, which means they are still some steps away from the levels needed for F2 and eventually F1. Another young driver with potential is Aryaman Bansal, who has just finished his debut season in single-seaters, but he too remains several years from reaching the top of the motorsport ladder.
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
A New Chapter in Mexico — Norris Seizes the Lead, Verstappen Stumbles
Under the blazing sun and deafening roar of the Foro Sol, the Brit delivered a masterclass in control, courage, and composure, claiming victory at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix in stunning fashion.
From the very first corner, chaos reigned. A three-wide battle into Turn 1 saw contact between Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton and Russel scattering carbon fibre and shaking up the order. Amid the carnage, Norris held his nerve — slicing through the opening lap with surgical precision while others scrambled for grip on medium tires.
Norris Dominates as McLaren Turn Mexico City Orange
The 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix turned into a showcase of precision, pace, and pure composure from the papaya outfit as Lando Norris stormed to a commanding victory with 30.3 seconds difference from the second place while Oscar Piastri backed him with a strong top-five finish.
It wasn’t just Norris’ pace that won McLaren the race ,it was their strategic brilliance. With the track temperatures soaring and tyres blistering early, McLaren pulled the trigger first. An early undercut gave Norris clear air, while Red Bull and Ferrari hesitated a lap or two too long.Behind him, Oscar Piastri played the perfect support act — defending fiercely, keeping pressure on rivals, and ensuring both cars stayed in podium contention.As Norris crossed the line, the roar inside the Foro Sol stadium was deafening. Confetti rained down, the grandstands turned papaya orange, and McLaren’s pit wall erupted in celebration.
“When your teammate wins the race, finishing fifth is nothing that extravagant.The car’s not changed for a while now. It’s nothing to do with the car. … Clearly Lando’s found it a bit easier to dial into that and I haven’t. Plenty of analysis to try get on top of that.”
-Oscar Piastri(post race)
Leclerc Salvages Podium Amid Mexican Mayhem
The signs were there early — Ferrari’s pace looked strong in qualifying, with Leclerc lining up on the second row and Lewis Hamilton just behind. Both cars had shown impressive speed through the twisty middle sector, suggesting that if they stayed clear at Turn 1, they could fight McLaren and Red Bull head-on.
As the lights went out, Leclerc dived into the first corner alongside Verstappen, Russel and Lewis. The four cars went wheel-to-wheel, sparks flying — until contact between the Red Bull and the Ferrari sent Leclerc slightly off balance. Carbon fibre scattered, Hamilton and Russel dropped down the order, and Leclerc was forced to regroup in fourth, his chance at victory seemingly gone in seconds.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, endured a frustrating afternoon. Caught in midfield traffic after a slow pit stop, his SF-25 never quite found the rhythm it had in practice. Still, his defensive work kept Ferrari in the points, denying rivals valuable positions.Ferrari leave Mexico knowing they still have the speed to challenge — but the margins are razor thin. With McLaren’s momentum growing and Red Bull wounded, every pit stop and every corner matters more than ever.
“It was very very very dirty off the line and did the best I could to keep the car kind of or bring it back to the safely. And thats all I hope for.”
-Lewis Hamilton(Post race)
Red Bull’s Grit Shines in Mexico’s Madness
For years, Mexico City has been Red Bull territory ,a circuit carved in the name of Max Verstappen, a place where he’s made the impossible look routine. And in 2025, even when chaos reigned and rivals rose, the three-time world champion reminded everyone why he’s still the benchmark ,fighting through damage, strategy swings, and relentless pressure to claw his way onto the podium with a performance soaked in aggression and pride.
As the lights went out at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Verstappen launched hard from the grid. But in the long sprint to Turn 1, three cars, one line, and no mercy. Had contact, sparks flew, Max had to leave the track. Aggressively overtook 3 cars in 4 laps, fire exit over the corners, superfast pitstop, Max was unstoppable on the track. On the 3rd lap, Max met his 2021 rival Lewis Hamilton, collided and Lewis had to leave the track but gained an advantage and hence lodging a 10 second penalty to himself.
With ten laps to go, Verstappen reeled in Leclerc, dive-bomb after a dive-bomb The move was undone . The crowd gasped. Red Bull was back on the podium not by dominance, but by sheer force of will.
“That was quite hectic, and then a bit of rallying in between Turns 1 and 2. That was quite fun!”
-Max Verstappen(Post race)
HA HA HAAS HAS DONE IT!
Haas began the weekend quietly. No one — not even their rivals — expected fireworks. But from the moment the lights went out, the VF-25 looked alive. Bearman launched off the line with the composure of a veteran, threading through the Turn 1 chaos that saw debris fly and big names stumble.By Lap 10, the 20-year-old Brit found himself running inside the top 6, matching the pace of Ferraris and Mercedes on merit. His calm voice over the radio contrasted the storm around him — clear, focused, unshaken.
And when George Russell began to close in during the final laps, Bearman refused to blink. His defensive driving was textbook — calm under pressure, precise in every braking zone. The chequered flag came with thunderous cheers as he crossed the line P4 — just shy of a podium, but miles ahead of expectations.
Ocon, meanwhile, executed a patient race from the midfield. Smart tyre management and a perfectly timed undercut propelled him into the points, cementing Haas’s dream afternoon.
“That’s how we fight — smart, clean, and together.”
– Ocon(post race)
Mercedes Salvage Solid Points in Mexico
The altitude of Mexico City wasn’t kind to the Silver Arrows, but Mercedes once again showed grit and consistency as Kimi Antonelli and George Russell crossed the line P6 and P7, securing valuable points in a weekend that demanded precision over power.
It wasn’t a race of fireworks — it was one of quiet determination. Amidst the chaos of overheating brakes, fading tyres, and the relentless pace of the front-runners, Mercedes found calm in control, keeping both cars within the top 10 from start to finish.The team’s Mexico package didn’t bring the leap they had hoped for, but the consistent performance underlined progress in reliability and race balance — both crucial as the season edges toward its final rounds.
“”It was an afternoon of damage limitation, ultimately, and our championship fight remains nail-bitingly close. Onwards to Brazil”
-Russel (Post Race Debrief)Stake Rookie gets a point!
Gabriel Bortoleto has scored P10 in a hard-fought race. Did crazy overtakes with experienced tire management proved fruitful to Stake getting valuable race while being in contention for the mid-field place in the constructors.
Hulkenburg on the other hand, unfortunately had to split away due to a Power issue in the car resulting in a DNF.
Heart-wrenching weekend comes to an End: Williams Trauma
Williams Racing arrived with quiet confidence — but left with heavy hearts.
What began as a promising weekend ended in frustration, as Carlos Sainz’s race ended prematurely with a heartbreaking DNF due to a contact he had in turn 1, while Alex Albon battled hard but fell just short of the points in an afternoon that tested both car and driver to the limit.
On the other side of the garage, Alex Albon endured a rollercoaster race.A late stint on worn mediums saw him defend valiantly from the Alpines and the Haas of Esteban Ocon — but it wasn’t enough.He eventually crossed the line, agonizingly close to points, leaving the team with nothing to show for a weekend of hard work.
For Team Principal James Vowles, it was a weekend of what-ifs. The team’s Mexico setup looked competitive in qualifying, but the high temperatures and thin air exposed the limits of their cooling package.
Still, the pace shown before Sainz’s retirement gave Williams hope that their updates are moving in the right direction.
“A very difficult day. The positive news is the car was very fast.But we were unable to use it. In the case of Carlos, the race was over after turn 1 and the damage resulted in both a flat spot but also damage to our wheel.”
– James Vowels(post race)
Sao Paulo awaits!
From Verstappen’s podium roar to Bearman’s breakthrough and Sainz’s silent heartbreak, Mexico 2025 was a race that bled emotion.
Every team left with something — some with silverware, others with scars — but all with fire for what’s next.
And as the paddock packs up for São Paulo, one truth remains:
No one’s safe, no one’s settled, and the fight is far from over.
Lets take a look at driver’s championship!
Team Standings heading on!
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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