Narain Karthikeyan

Narain Karthikeyan, born on January 14, 1977, is an Indian racing driver who holds the distinction of being India's first Formula One driver. His passion for racing was ignited by his father's involvement in national rallying. Karthikeyan's early career saw him competing in various racing series in Europe, including the British Formula Ford Winter Series, which he won in 1994, and the Formula Asia Championship, which he won in 1996.

Karthikeyan made his Formula One debut in 2005 with the Jordan team. Although the team faced challenges, his participation marked a significant moment for Indian motorsport. After a stint as a test driver for Williams, he returned to Formula One in 2011 with Hispania Racing Team (HRT) and continued with the team in 2012. Beyond Formula One, Karthikeyan has also competed in other racing series, including A1GP, Superleague Formula, and NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series, where he was named the Most Popular Driver in 2010. He achieved success in the Auto GP Series, winning the championship in 2013.

Throughout his career, Narain Karthikeyan has been a pioneer for Indian drivers in international motorsports. His achievements have earned him recognition and accolades, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in 2010. He continues to be an inspiration for aspiring racers in India and remains an influential figure in the world of motorsports.