Shane Chandaria: 15-Year-Old Kenyan Prodigy Shatters Records with FIA F4 Indian Title

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Shane Chandaria: 15-Year-Old Kenyan Prodigy Shatters Records with FIA F4 Indian Title

Abigael Wafula 20:47 - 14.12.2025

The 15-year-old Kenyan made history with a breakthrough season that confirmed his status as one of motorsport’s brightest young talents.

At just 15 years old, Kenyan prodigy Shane Chandaria has made history by becoming the youngest-ever champion of the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship.

The rising star secured the title during a dramatic final round of the Indian Racing Festival at the Madras International Circuit on Sunday.

Entering the 2025 season as a rookie, Shane Chandaria, nicknamed the "Baby Samurai," defied expectations to claim his first major championship in a highly competitive field.

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Representing the Chennai Turbo Riders, he held a 24-point lead heading into the final weekend but faced immense pressure from more experienced rivals on a challenging track.

Shane Chandaria Defies All Odds to Make History

Chandaria rose to the occasion, sealing the championship in the very first race of the day. Starting from pole position, he finished the 23-lap race in second place with a time of 26:23.059, just behind Sachel Rotge of Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru. The podium finish was enough to give him an insurmountable lead and clinch the coveted title.

Despite having already secured the championship, the rivalry between Chandaria and Rotge continued to ignite the track.

In Race 2, both drivers started at the back of the pack due to the reverse grid but masterfully carved their way through the field. They showcased their skill with a series of daring overtakes to once again finish on the podium.

The race was won by 16-year-old Luviwe Sambudla of Goa Aces JA Racing. Rotge executed a stunning double overtake on the final lap to claim second, with the newly crowned champion Chandaria finishing a close third.

The final standings saw Chandaria and Rotge dominate the season, finishing first and second, respectively. Seven-time Indian National Karting Champion Ishaan Madesh secured third place overall. Chandaria's performance also propelled his team, the Chennai Turbo Riders, to victory in the Teams' Championship.

This F4 title solidifies Chandaria's reputation as one of motorsport's most exciting young talents. The Kenyan driver, who has Indian heritage, began his racing journey at the age of five.

His career has been on a steep upward trajectory, including winning Rookie of the Year in the 2021 Kenya National Karting Championship and claiming the national title in 2022.