Formula 1

India Confirms Entry for F1 Sim Racing Cup of Nations in Mumbai

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 8, 2026, 16:50 IST

Karl Verghese and Siddharth Sathgare will represent India at the upcoming Cup of Nations in Mumbai, following their top-tier performances at the F1 Sim Racing India 2026 national championships.

India Confirms Entry for F1 Sim Racing Cup of Nations in Mumbai

India is set to make a major statement on the global sim racing stage after securing a place in the prestigious Cup of Nations. The international tournament, which will feature 18 teams from around the world, is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from 7 to 9 November 2026. Organised by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited (MFRL) in collaboration with Formula 1, the event represents a significant milestone in the growth of Indian motorsport.

The national team will be spearheaded by Karl Verghese and Siddharth Sathgare. Their selection follows a dominant display in the F1 Sim Racing India 2026 Open category, where Verghese claimed the national title with a perfect run, remaining unbeaten across all six races to finish with 150 points. Fellow Mumbaikar Sathgare secured second place with 96 points, while Chennai’s Amith Kutti rounded out the podium with 91 points.

A New Era for Indian Sim Racing Talent

The upcoming Cup of Nations will see the Indian duo test their skills against some of the world’s most established sim racing drivers. The field includes competitors representing major F1 outfits such as Red Bull, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Alpine. The tournament will utilise a double-elimination format, providing a rigorous environment for the Indian representatives to showcase their development against elite international opposition.

Beyond the elite Open category, the national event also highlighted emerging talent in the Under-15 division. 10-year-old Vihaan Joshi claimed the championship title after securing victories in five of the six races. He was joined on the podium by fellow Mumbai racer Agastya Ivan Crasto and Pune’s Hridaan Sanadhya. The prize presentation ceremony for both categories was attended by Indian cricketers Shardul Thakur and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Building a Sustainable Motorsport Pipeline

The F1 Sim Racing India Open serves as a core component of MFRL’s broader strategy to cultivate a sustainable talent pipeline for the country. Through the 'One in a Billion' initiative, the organisation aims to lower barriers to entry for motorsport, identify high-potential racers, and provide a structured pathway for professional development.

Fans looking to witness the Cup of Nations in person can attend the event at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai, with tickets currently available via District by Zomato. For those unable to attend, the championship will be broadcast live on the official Mumbai Falcons YouTube channel, offering global access to the three-day competition.