Sambudla dominates proceedings, climbs to the top of the F4 Indian championship

Luviwe Sambudla emerged as the weekend’s standout performer, claiming two victories and a third-place finish to move to the top of the standings in the third round of the F4 Indian championship at the Madras International Circuit here on Friday.

Sambudla turned a five-point deficit into a 21-point championship advantage, moving to 138 points ahead of Aris Kyriakou (117). Across the 3.717-kilometre circuit, Sambudla showcased exceptional pace and racecraft, winning the opening two races from sixth on the grid before completing his weekend on the podium.

Ntiyiso Mabunda finished second in all three races while 15-year-old Aaron Mehta delivered a composed performance under pressure in the final race to become the youngest winner in the championship’s history.

Meanwhile, Speed Demons Delhi’s Shahan Ali Mohsin converted pole position into victory in a closely contested opening race of the Indian Racing League (IRL), holding off Goa Aces JA Racing’s Raoul Hyman by just 0.506 seconds over eight laps. Chennai Turbo Riders’ Shane Chandaria completed the podium 2.690s behind the winner, while Hyderabad Blackbirds’ Mohammed Ryan recovered from seventh to finish fourth.