Former Indian Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Motorsport UK, the governing body and membership organisation for four-wheel motorsport. The announcement is indeed a big honour for the Indian race car driver, and one of the only two Indian racers to have bagged a seat in F1. Since his run in F1, Chandhok is a respected commentator and analyst for Sky Sports F1 based in the UK and one of the few non-white faces in the sport alongside world champion Lewis Hamilton. He also runs a circuit design company and contributes to other media publications in different capacities.
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undefinedI came to the UK nearly 20 years ago because it was the capital of world motorsport. Nice to have a seat at the grown ups table to try & influence the sport's future now.
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) June 16, 2021
As one of the @fia's most historic ASN's this is a great chance for me to give back to the sport I love. https://t.co/BMlM9IbJlZ
The 37-year-old is a member of Motorsport UK's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and sits on its Racial Diversity Sub-Committee. He is also the youngest-ever board member. As a member of the FIA's Drivers' Commission - he is an advocate for the rights and views of drivers across the world. He has been a Driver Representative on the FIA Single Seater Commission as well.
Commenting on Chandhok's appointment, David Richards, Motorsport UK Chair, said, "Karun is a respected and accomplished member of the motorsport community, whose wide-ranging experience from a variety of vantage points will be a major asset to Motorsport UK as we continue to grow and sustain the sport. In particular, his values as a champion for a more equitable future for our sport will be a force for good as we ensure motorsport in the UK celebrates diversity and enables the full involvement of disadvantaged groups. I am confident that he will have a positive impact on our Board, on our organisation as a whole, and on our community."
Karun Chandhok at the 2021 Formula Spanish GP as a commentator for Sky Sports F1
Karun Chandhok, said, "I feel very honoured to be invited onto the Board of Motorsport UK. I moved to England from India nearly twenty years ago because the belief at the time was that if you wanted to get to Formula 1, you had to come and race in the UK as it was the capital of world motorsport. To now have the opportunity to work with the rest of the Board and the Motorsport UK organisation in shaping the future landscape of motorsport in the UK is very exciting."
Starting his motorsport career by participating in domestic motorsport races, he went on to become a multiple race winner and podium finisher in GP2 (now F2). He was a test driver for the Red Bull Formula 1 team in 2007 and 2008, before bagging a seat on the grid with Hispania Racing and Team Lotus in 2010 and 2011.
Since his F1 days, the driver has competed in Sportscars and became the first Indian to compete in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. He participated in 2012, 2013 and 2015. He also competed in the inaugural season of Formula E in 2014-15, with the only Indian team on the grid - Mahindra Racing.
