Mahaveer Raghunathan’s Redemption Drive: From F2 Trolling to Italian GT Glory, Keeping His Formula One Dream Alive

At just 26, Mahaveer Raghunathan has lived through the extreme highs and lows of professional motorsport. From being labelled one of Formula 2’s most controversial drivers to standing tall as an Italian GT race winner, his story is one of resilience, redemption, and relentless pursuit of a Formula One dream that refuses to fade.

Early Beginnings: A Racer Born in Chennai

Born and raised in Chennai, Mahaveer’s journey began behind the wheel of a kart at the age of 11. He recalls his fascination with speed and cars as the spark that ignited a lifelong passion.

“I was the first in my family to take up motorsport. My relatives were all professionals in other fields, but I just couldn’t resist the thrill of racing,” he says with a smile.

His podium finish in the Amaron Karting Challenge at the national level sealed his fate — racing wasn’t just a hobby anymore, it was a calling.

The F2 Struggle: A Storm He Had to Endure

In 2019, Raghunathan made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Racing for MP Motorsport in Formula 2, he struggled with penalties, inexperience, and public scrutiny. Having skipped Formula 3, the leap from lower series to F2 proved daunting.

He accumulated a record number of penalty points, even earning a race ban after the French Grand Prix. Critics mocked him mercilessly online, calling him “Lord Mahaveer” — a nickname born out of internet ridicule rather than respect.

But Raghunathan refused to let that year define him.

“I knew that once I started performing again, all the negativity would turn into positivity,” he explains. “That one bad year wasn’t my career — it was just one chapter.”

Learning From Failure: Turning Setbacks into Strength

After the difficult F2 season, Mahaveer took time to rebuild himself as a driver — mentally and technically. Competing in the Italian GT Championship with AF Corse, he found a new rhythm and purpose.

“I focused on my weaknesses — on what I could control. Once I understood where I was going wrong, things started improving,” he shares.

His patience paid off. In the 2025 Italian GT season, he claimed a P1 finish in Race 2 and secured P6 overall in the standings, proving that consistency and humility could rebuild a reputation.

“If I’d gone through F3 first, things would’ve been different,” he admits. “But I learned everything the hard way — and maybe that made me stronger.”

Reigniting the Formula One Dream

Despite his turbulent past, Raghunathan’s focus remains unwavering — Formula One has always been the ultimate goal.

Having already test-driven for Alfa Romeo Sauber in 2021 and McLaren later, he hopes his GT success will open new doors toward a return to the global stage.

“Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport. Competing there has always been my only dream,” he says. “This year with AF Corse was part of my comeback, and now I’m looking at joining a top development program.”

He plans to move next to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) — a route many drivers use to accumulate super license points, a key requirement for F1 eligibility.

“My aim is to race in WEC next, earn the points I need, and return to Formula One. Every race from now is part of that journey.”

A Comeback Driven by Grit and Grace

For someone once written off as “the worst driver,” Mahaveer’s comeback story now mirrors that of redemption tales like Brad Pitt’s fictional racer Sonny Hayes in the upcoming F1 movie. His quiet persistence, away from the spotlight, has reshaped public perception — not through words, but through performance.

“My main goal this year was to win races and prove myself again,” he says. “We missed the championship by just four points, but I feel stronger than ever.”

Looking Ahead

As he eyes his next move, Raghunathan remains pragmatic but hopeful.

“The dream is still F1. But no matter which championship I compete in, it will always be about growth, passion, and performance,” he concludes.

From internet memes to podium finishes, Mahaveer Raghunathan’s journey proves one thing — true racers don’t quit when they’re trolled; they simply shift gears and race harder.