The roar of engines and the intensity of young ambition filled the air at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai as the third season of the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship came to a thrilling close. Amid challenging conditions, high pressure, and fierce competition, Kenya’s Shane Chandaria emerged as the undisputed champion. At just 15 years of age, Chandaria not only won the Indian F4 title but also became the youngest champion in the history of the series, cementing his name among the most exciting prospects in junior single-seater racing. The relocated season finale in Chennai proved to be a true test of skill, temperament, and maturity. While experienced rivals closed in and the margin for error narrowed, Chandaria showed composure well beyond his years, clinching the championship in Race 1 itself and leaving an indelible mark on the 2025 season.

Rising Above the Pressure

The weekend began with pre-event testing and practice sessions that highlighted just how competitive the field was. Ishaan Madesh set the early pace, with just fractions of a second separating him from fellow front-runners Ghazi Motlekar, Chandaria, and Wian Boshoff. Qualifying round saw Chandaria step up when it mattered most, taking pole position ahead of his main title rival, Frenchman Sachel Rotge. Race 1 delivered drama from the very start. Chandaria lost his pole advantage due to a small error off the line, allowing Rotge to seize the lead into Turn 1. Despite the setback, Chandaria stayed calm, maintaining pressure throughout the race. A safety car period offered him another chance to attack, and while Rotge held on to win by a narrow margin, Chandaria’s second-place finish was enough to mathematically seal the championship. That moment captured the essence of Chandaria’s season: resilience, intelligence, and an ability to focus on the bigger picture rather than immediate glory.

Battles That Defined the Season

Even after the title was decided, the rivalry between Chandaria and Rotge continued to entertain fans. The reverse-grid Race 2 was longer, tougher, and packed with incidents. Luviwe Sambudla of Goa Aces JA Racing delivered a commanding drive to take victory, but the spotlight remained firmly on the championship’s top two. Starting deep in the field, both Rotge and Chandaria carved their way through traffic with fearless overtakes and precise racecraft. Rotge finished second after a dramatic double overtake on the final lap, while Chandaria crossed the line third, once again demonstrating his consistency under pressure. Their repeated wheel-to-wheel battles throughout the season became a defining narrative of the championship.

A Champion with a Story

What makes Shane Chandaria’s win truly special is the journey behind it. Chandaria’s racing story began at the tender age of five. With Kenyan roots and Indian heritage, he represents a new generation of global racers shaped by opportunity, discipline, and family support. His early years in karting saw him dominate the Kenya National Karting Championship, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 and the national title in 2022. In 2024, Chandaria moved to the UK to compete in the British Karting Championship, taking a major step outside his comfort zone. His transition to single-seaters came through the Formula Global Shootout Program, and during Round 2 of the Indian F4 season in Chennai, he made history by becoming the first Kenyan to win an FIA Formula 4 race. The 2025 Indian F4 Championship was his first full single-seater campaign. Entering the season as a rookie, Chandaria finished it as a champion, a rare achievement that speaks volumes about his adaptability, mental strength, and raw talent.

The Indian F4 Platform

The Formula 4 Indian Championship, part of the Indian Racing Festival, continues to grow as a crucial stepping stone in the global motorsport ladder. Created by the FIA, Formula 4 serves as the bridge between karting and higher categories like Formula Regional and Formula 3. With standardized cars, controlled costs, and an emphasis on driver skill, F4 allows young racers to develop essential abilities such as managing slick tyres and understanding aerodynamics. The Indian F4 grid in 2025 showcased international diversity and competitiveness, with drivers from multiple countries pushing each other to higher levels. Chandaria and Rotge dominated the standings, finishing first and second respectively, while seven-time Indian National Karting Champion Ishaan Madesh secured third place. Chandaria’s team, Chennai Turbo Riders, also lifted the Teams’ Championship, underlining their season-long consistency.

A New Star on the Global Stage

As the sun set on the Madras International Circuit, the story of the 2025 Indian Formula 4 Championship was clear. A 15-year-old rookie had arrived, faced seasoned competitors, and emerged as a champion. Shane Chandaria’s triumph is not just a sporting achievement but a powerful human story of ambition, courage, and growth. In the fast-evolving world of motorsport, where the path to the top is narrow and unforgiving, Chandaria has taken a giant first step. The Indian F4 title may be his first championship, but it is unlikely to be his last.