LIGHTS TO FLAG: Narain Karthikeyan on his ‘wild journey’ to becoming India’s first F1 driver, and helping the next generation

Narain Karthikeyan became India’s first Formula 1 racer when he joined Jordan in 2005, and returned for another two-year stint with backmarkers HRT in the early 2010s.
In our latest Lights To Flag feature he recounts his unlikely path towards Formula 1, the times he spent struggling to stay afloat at the back, and his ambition to assist the next generation from his homeland.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
Formula 1 and FIA announce 2026 Sprint Calendar
ExclusiveLowdon on Cadillac’s preparations ahead of 2026 debut
UnlockedRemembering Hamilton's sublime Silverstone win in 2008
Alonso hopeful for 2026 as Aston Martin 'trust tools in the factory'
How to stream the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium
Verstappen ‘central’ to Red Bull & Ford’s engine project