The Speed Blazer

In conversation with the rising star, Jehan Daruvala, India’s next big hope in the Formula racing circuit.

- Ankita Rathod

“In all honesty, I love everything about the motor racing,” begins the 17-year-old racing prodigy, Jehan Daruvala. He has been setting tracks ablaze all over the world, but it all began in Mumbai at the age of nine for him. “Racing and speed were my two favourite things,” he points out. His passion took him to a training camp held at the Powai karting circuit by veteran racer, Rayomand Banajee. He says, “I decided to go there with my dad and try it out. After driving four-stroke karts for the full day, Rayomand selected me and another boy from a group of about 50 people to join his racing team in the Indian National championship.” That’s how his journey in racing began.

Though hailing from a family having no connections with the sport at all, since a very young age, Jehan enjoyed watching the Formula One races. “Just the atmosphere around racing makes me enjoy it a lot. The competition and commitment required to be the best requires a lot of courage and bravery, and after doing all this, achieving your goals is the best feeling,” says the sports enthusiast, who enjoys playing football, table tennis and badminton as well.