Teen talent Shane Chandaria clinches Formula 4 Indian Championship title
The third season of the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, part of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF), culminated in a thrilling finale at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai on Sunday, as Shane Chandaria became the youngest title winner.
Having entered the 2025 season as a fresh-faced rookie, the 15-year-old Kenyan finished it as the indisputable champion, also the first championship win of his young career.
Chandaria made the most of the head start in Race 1 to clinch the championship itself. Though the pole-sitter finished second behind Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru’s Sachel Rotge, the top 2 finish was enough to seal the title.
In Race 2, Frenchman Rotge and Chandaria, as they so often have this season, were once again locked in battle. Despite the reverse grid putting them at the back of the grid, they ended up on the podium.
While 16-year-old Luviwe Sambudla of Goa Aces JA Racing won the race, Rotge, who pulled off a double overtake in the last lap, finished second, and Chandaria took third.
Chandaria and Rotge dominated the 2025 championship, finishing first and second, respectively. The third position was taken up by seven-time Indian National Karting Champion Ishaan Madesh.
Meanwhile, the Chennai Turbo Riders carried a 24-point lead at the top going into the fifth and final round, and protected its position to win the teams’ championship.
Published on Dec 14, 2025