“Hopefully next year, I’ll have a shot at F1 seat,” says Jehan Daruvala

“Hopefully next year, I’ll have a shot at F1 seat,” says Jehan Daruvala

Jehan Daruvala

Jehan Daruvala

India’s Jehan Daruvala created history this week when he became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race when he won the sprint race comprising of 34 laps in Sakhir, Bahrain. The 22-year-old had had a difficult time in the first half of what was his maiden F2 season. However, he came back in the second half with some terrific performances that culminated in a win on the last race of the season.

With the win, the rise of Daruvala who progressed from karting to European Formula 3, then FIA Formula 3 and finally Formula 2 was complete. There is just one more step ahead for the Mumbai man, that is to compete in a Formula 1 race and hopefully challenge the best racers in the world.

‘Next year is going to be a long season’

Jehan Daruvala at the Sakhir Grand Prix
Jehan Daruvala at the Sakhir Grand Prix

The Formula 2 driver spoke to Hindustan Times recently and spoke about his debut F2 season and the road ahead. “I feel very good; it was a tough season due to various reasons. I was after an engine change. (Since then) things have been a lot better…finishing the championship with a win means a lot. Hearing the national anthem on the podium was a really proud moment for me, also for everyone back in India. It gives me the momentum to carry on into testing and into next year,” said Daruvala.

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On being quizzed about his future plans, “I can’t disclose much information, but I will try in F2 for a very good team, that’s all I can say. The win has given me confidence. I always believed in me but to get the monkey off my back feels good. I should be able to fight for the top-3, if not for the title (next year),” the 22-year-old said.

Now that the F2 season is over, Daruvala has some time off and on being asked about the same, he said, “The three-day test begins in Bahrain on Tuesday. After that I’ll fly back to Mumbai. I have not been home for seven months. I have to quarantine when I get back. I’ll spend time with friends and family, just wind down, keep fit, keep training, chill out and not think about racing. Next year is going to be a long season. Hopefully, this time next year I’ll have a shot for a seat in F1.”

Also Read: Who is Jehan Daruvala? Know all about the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race