From accumulating more penalties than points in F2, to winning races with Ferrari in GTs

Born in Chennai (India) 27 years ago, Mahaveer Raghunathan is a name that did not go unnoticed by motorsport fans in 2019, when he competed for MP Motorsport in the FIA Formula 2.

Unfortunately, this step through the silver category was not what was expected. Raghunathan was twentieth in the overall table, where he scored a single point. In addition, The Indian accumulated the category record of 24 penalty points for infractions and errors on the track.

“It was a very difficult year, of course.“he declared to M.D.. “I didn’t have much experience in Formula 1 weekends. In F2, you have very little mileage before the race. There are no ‘tests’ available apart from pre-season tests and track time is very limited. Furthermore, it was a very powerful car compared to the ones I had driven before and all the drivers were experienced and very good.“.

“It was a pretty big jump,” said the former MP pilot. “I only ran one year in the Formula 4 and another in the Formula 3. I didn’t have much experience. “It came a little early and was a very big step with a steep learning curve.”

​Overcoming adversity

That turbulent season earned him the harsh label of “worst driver in the history” of his competition. Likewise, a wave of memes was unleashed on the Internet and, in the case of some users, comments that bordered on or even exceeded disrespect.

It would have been easy to give up in that situation, but Mahaveer kept going until he won several races in 2025. Italian GT Championship – Sprint – GT3 Pro/Am with AF Corseteam linked to Ferrari.

“The most important thing for me was to improve and learn from my mistakes.and I think I achieved it. That was my main goal and motivation. “I know that when I do that, like I did last year, all the criticism and everything from the past disappears.”

“So I’m happy to have done it and to stay focused on work hard and improve as a person“says the AF Corse pilot.”That’s the only thing that’s in my hands“. Likewise, he declares that the difficult moments in the FIA ​​F2 made him “learn a lot”, which helped him in his successes in GTs and even in his tests with a single-seater. Formula 1.

​Your experiences (and wishes) with F1

In 2021, Raghunathan became, after former title drivers Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhokthe third Indian in history to drive a Formula 1 car. The one from Chennai drove a Alfa Romeo C38 in it Hungaroringright after the Grand Prix.

“Driving an F1 car was very special“said the Asian. “It was, of course, a big step and quite difficult, because It is the fastest car on the planet. It had a lot of downforce, braking ability and power. Getting used to it was a big challenge, but I think I did well.”

“Also, it was during the Grand Prix weekend, right after Sunday in Hungary,” he added. “So the grip level of the track was very high“.

McLaren was the only other team that tested Raghunathan, since tests were held in 2023 where the Indian piloted the MCL35 in Portimãoa “very high speed” circuit for him. However, and despite his eventful career, the runner has announced his future plans to one day become a driver in Formula 1.

“I think winning and being successful in F1 is the goal.“. Raghunathan declares that the premier class is also the “long-term goal of any racing driver.” However, it goes in steps. “I hope to be successful in GTs and win more races in the championship. Then? We’ll see, maybe in the future.”

The former Formula 2 and 3 driver also states that it is unlikely to see him again in these training categories. “I’m 27, which is too old for that. I hope to be successful in GTs and then move on to the ‘hypercars’. “I think that would be the possible way, or at least the most realistic.”

Mahaveer, however, has fond memories of certain aspects of his 2019. “It was a great opportunity to compete in Formula 2 and during the Formula 1 weekend with MP Motorsport. They taught me and I think I worked pretty well with them. MP was very happy with my work“.

“For certain reasons, I was not able to compete in Formula 2 later.. So I switched to Gran Turismos. There was no chance of becoming a Formula 1 driver at that time. But, well, that’s how things are.”

Regarding a possible new test with the premier category, he is not demanding. “Having the opportunity to do it again would be great. So any opportunity that comes my way will make me very happy.. “I can’t choose which one, because the opportunities are very rare.”

​India, an increasingly ‘formula’ country

Apart from the three pilots mentioned above, only Kush Mainicurrent FIA F2 driver, has driven a Formula 1. “I think before motorsport was not well known in India, but in the last 10 years it has grown enormously.”

“There are a lot of Formula 4 and Formula 2 drivers everywhere. So I think Indian motorsport is growing a lot now. Also, a lot of races are held in the country. Also They are looking for the Indian Grand Prix to be held soonso I think it’s growing pretty well now.”

“Coming from India, you don’t have much experience in the car. You don’t do a lot of testing before, like the drivers in Europe. I think that’s the main difference. On the other hand, when you live in Europe, you have more opportunities to test. Also, when I started, there were no simulators in India“.

The legacy that Raghunathan wants to leave

“The most important lesson I have learned is to focus on myself and greatly improve my skills.. “You can always progress and do better, but the main thing is to work hard and improve yourself.”

“I think I still have a lot to achieve. Before I retire, I want to be remembered as a pilot who has overcome himself and the difficulties. I want to be someone who fights for multiple podiums and victories“, he stated.