Motorsport

Luviwe Sambudla surges to F4 Indian Championship lead after dominant Chennai weekend

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 23, 2026, 18:50 IST

Luviwe Sambudla claimed two victories and a podium finish at the Madras International Circuit, overturning a points deficit to lead the F4 Indian championship standings ahead of Aris Kyriakou.

Luviwe Sambudla surges to F4 Indian Championship lead after dominant Chennai weekend

Luviwe Sambudla delivered a masterclass in racecraft at the Madras International Circuit this past Friday, securing two victories and a third-place finish to seize control of the F4 Indian championship. The South African driver’s impressive performance in Chennai saw him transform a five-point deficit into a commanding 21-point lead at the top of the overall standings.

Entering the third round of the competition, Sambudla trailed Aris Kyriakou in the title race. However, after a weekend defined by consistent pace and tactical precision across the 3.717-kilometre track, Sambudla now sits on 138 points, while Kyriakou follows with 117. The weekend was marked by a remarkable recovery from the grid, as Sambudla managed to secure his first two wins despite starting from the sixth position.

Consistent podiums and a historic breakthrough

While Sambudla dominated the headlines, the competition remained fierce throughout the field. Ntiyiso Mabunda proved to be a persistent challenger, securing second place in all three races held over the weekend. His consistency kept the pressure on the leaders, though he was unable to break through for a win.

The final race of the weekend provided a significant milestone for the championship, as 15-year-old Aaron Mehta demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. By securing the victory, Mehta etched his name into the record books as the youngest winner in the history of the F4 Indian championship.

Indian Racing League action

The event also featured the opening round of the Indian Racing League, where Shahan Ali Mohsin, representing Speed Demons Delhi, converted his pole position into a hard-fought victory. Mohsin held off a determined challenge from Goa Aces JA Racing’s Raoul Hyman, crossing the finish line with a narrow margin of just 0.506 seconds after an intense eight-lap battle.

The podium was rounded out by Chennai Turbo Riders’ Shane Chandaria, who finished 2.690 seconds behind the leader. Further back in the pack, Mohammed Ryan of the Hyderabad Blackbirds showcased strong recovery skills, climbing from seventh on the grid to secure a fourth-place finish as the series continues to develop.