New Delhi [India], March 8: Motorsport is one of the most expensive and demanding sports in the world, requiring immense financial backing, top-notch training, and access to the best racing infrastructure. While male racers have found some support, women racers in India, like Shriya Lohia, continue to struggle against a system that offers little financial assistance. Despite her talent and determination to represent India on international platforms, the lack of sponsorship has become a major roadblock in her career.
A Star in the Making with No Financial Backing
Shriya Lohia, a young and promising Formula 4 racer, has already proven her skills in the competitive world of motorsports. Her dream is to race in Formula 1 and bring India global recognition in motorsports. However, the harsh reality is that motorsport in India remains neglected, with corporate sponsors and the government showing little to no interest in supporting young talent.
Unlike cricket, badminton, or wrestling, which receive significant funding and endorsement deals, motorsport has struggled to gain recognition. The financial burden of competing at higher levels is massive—covering car rentals, travel, training, logistics, race fees, and equipment costs, which often run into crores of rupees per season. Without proper backing, even the most talented racers are forced to give up their dreams due to financial constraints.
Why Sponsorship is Critical for a Formula Racer
Sponsorship in motorsports is not just about branding—it is the lifeline of a racer’s career. Here’s why:
- High Costs of Racing – Formula 4 and other international series require enormous funding. A season in Formula 4 alone can cost upwards of ₹2-3 crores. Without sponsors, independent racers cannot afford to participate.
- Access to Better Training and Equipment – Unlike other sports where basic training can be done with minimal investment, motorsport requires cutting-edge technology, high-performance cars, and world-class training, all of which cost money.
- Global Exposure – Sponsorship allows a racer to compete in international circuits, which is essential for progressing to Formula 3, Formula 2, and ultimately Formula 1. Without financial backing, even the most skilled racers remain stuck at lower levels.
- Encouraging More Women in Motorsports – Motorsport is a male-dominated industry, and women racers like Shriya Lohia need extra encouragement and investment to break barriers. With proper sponsorship, more young women can take up racing as a career.
Why Are Indian Corporates and Government Ignoring Motorsport?
Despite India being home to racing talents like Narain Karthikeyan, Jehan Daruvala, and Kush Maini, there is little corporate enthusiasm to invest in motorsports. Unlike European and American companies that actively support racers through sponsorships, Indian brands shy away from investing in motorsport.
What Corporates Can Do
- Invest in Indian racing talent like Shriya Lohia, helping them reach global platforms.
- Use motorsport for branding and marketing, just like global brands like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes do.
- Create scholarship programs for young Indian racers to reduce financial burdens.
What the Indian Government Can Do
- Recognize motorsport as a mainstream sport under government funding schemes.
- Provide financial aid and grants to racers competing in global championships.
- Develop better racing infrastructure and academies in India to train future racers.
- Encourage PSUs and large corporations to sponsor motorsport talent.
Time for Change
Shriya Lohia’s struggle is a wake-up call for India. If young racing talents continue to be ignored due to lack of funds, India will never have its own Formula 1 champion. The government and corporates must step up and support motorsports like they do with cricket, football, and athletics.
Without sponsorship, Shriya Lohia—and many others like her—might be forced to abandon their dreams. The question is: Will India let another talented racer slip through the cracks, or will it rise to support its future champions?
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