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
Our writers reflect on the 2025 season so far
UnlockedVerstappen on titles, the future and Red Bull’s rebuild
F1 IconsSebastian Montoya on his father Juan Pablo Montoya
Russell ‘would pay to be a World Champion’
Hamilton insists Ferrari have ‘every ingredient needed’ to win titles
Which F1 races are still to come in 2025