India Secures Spot in Global Sim Racing Championship
India's Milestone in Sim Racing
India has achieved a remarkable milestone in its motorsport history by qualifying for the Cup of Nations. This prestigious event will feature 18 international teams competing for the global championship in Mumbai from November 7 to 9, 2026. The event is organized by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited (MFRL) in collaboration with Formula 1. Karl Verghese and Siddharth Sathgare will represent India on this esteemed platform, following Verghese's victory as the National Champion in the Open Category at the F1 Sim Racing India 2026. This development signifies a significant step in India's rise in the global sim racing arena and its commitment to fostering local talent capable of competing internationally.
National Champions and Race Results
In the recent competition, Karl Verghese topped the leaderboard with 150 points, while Siddharth Sathgare from Mumbai secured second place with 96 points. Chennai's Amith Kutti finished third with 91 points. Throughout the six-race series, the top three drivers consistently outperformed their competitors, with Karl remaining undefeated, showcasing his dominance in the category.
In the Under-15 category, 10-year-old Vihaan Joshi from Mumbai emerged as the champion, winning five out of six races. Agastya Ivan Crasto, also from Mumbai, took the second spot, while Hridaan Sanadhya from Pune claimed third place. The event was graced by Indian cricketers Shardul Thakur and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who presented awards to the top finishers in both categories.
Countdown to the Cup of Nations
With the national champions now determined, the F1 Sim Racing India Open transitions into its international phase with the upcoming Cup of Nations scheduled for November 7-9. Karl Verghese and Siddharth Sathgare will represent India against a competitive field of 18 teams, including top sim racing drivers affiliated with renowned F1 teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin, Red Bull, and Alpine. The competition will adopt a double-elimination format, allowing Indian racers to challenge themselves against established international talent.
The F1® Sim Racing India Open is part of MFRL's broader vision to cultivate a sustainable talent pipeline for Indian motorsport. Through its One in a Billion initiative, MFRL aims to enhance accessibility to the sport, identify promising talent, and create structured opportunities for Indian racers. Fans in Mumbai can witness the Cup of Nations live at the NSCI Dome, with tickets available via District by Zomato. Additionally, the championship will be streamed live on the official YouTube channel of Mumbai Falcons for global audiences.
Top 10 Drivers: F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 (Open)
1. Karl Verghese – 150 points
2. Siddharth Sathgare – 96 points
3. Amith Kutti – 91 points
4. Dinesh Srivatsa – 56 points
5. Yug Sharma – 52 points
6. Ajitesh Chandran – 49 points
7. Lakshya Sethi – 30 points
8. Anvay Mali – 17 points
9. Harshawardhan Mahajan – 16 points
10. Rahul Sridhar – 15 points.