Arshi Gupta, 9, becomes youngest entrant in F1 Academy
Nine-year-old Arshi Gupta has scripted history by becoming the youngest driver to be selected for the F1 Academy’s grassroots programme, overcoming India’s limited motorsport ecosystem to earn a place on the global stage. The announcement was made earlier this week after the young karting prodigy impressed talent scouts during international assessments in Europe.
Despite starting her journey on modest local tracks, Arshi has built a strong record in junior karting, consistently finishing on the podium against older rivals. “Age was never the focus, her race craft was,” an F1 Academy official said, highlighting her composure and pace. Her coach added that Arshi’s “work ethic and feedback are exceptional for someone so young.”
Arshi’s parents revealed the challenges behind the breakthrough. “There was no clear pathway here, so we created one step by step,” her father said. Arshi herself remained grounded, saying, “I just love racing and want to keep getting faster.”
Her selection is being seen as a milestone moment for Indian motorsport, offering hope that global opportunities are opening up even without a strong domestic system.