India Charges Into Cup of Nations: National Champions Ready for Global Sim Racing Battle
Karl Verghese and Siddharth Sathgare will represent India against 18 global teams in the Cup of Nations sim racing championship in Mumbai.
India has reached a historic milestone in the world of virtual motorsport, securing a coveted spot in the Cup of Nations. This high-stakes global championship will bring together 18 international teams to battle for supremacy in Mumbai from November 7 to 9, 2026. Organised by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited (MFRL) in collaboration with Formula 1, the event signals India's growing ambition to cultivate world-class sim racing talent.
The Road to the Global Stage
The journey to the international arena culminated at the F1 Sim Racing India 2026, where the nation's top talent fought for a chance to represent the country. Karl Verghese emerged as the dominant force, being crowned the National Champion in the Open Category. Verghese's performance was nothing short of flawless, remaining unbeaten across all six races of the competition to amass a total of 150 points.
Joining Verghese on the international stage will be fellow Mumbaikar Siddharth Sathgare, who secured the second spot with 96 points. The podium was completed by Chennai’s Amith Kutti, who finished third with 91 points. While the trio maintained a significant lead over the rest of the field throughout the series, the rivalry between them remained intense until the final lap.
Rising Stars: The Under-15 Category
The event also highlighted the future of Indian motorsport with the Under-15 category. In a stunning display of skill, 10-year-old Vihaan Joshi from Mumbai claimed the championship title after winning five out of the six races. He was followed by Agastya Ivan Crasto from Mumbai in second place and Hridaan Sanadhya from Pune, who took third.
Adding to the glamour of the national finals, Indian cricketers Shardul Thakur and Angkrish Raghuvanshi were in attendance to present prizes to the winners of both categories.
Facing the World's Best
As the F1 Sim Racing India Open transitions into its international phase, Karl Verghese and Siddharth Sathgare are preparing to face a formidable lineup. The Cup of Nations features 18 teams consisting of the world's elite sim racers, including drivers associated with legendary F1 outfits such as Ferrari, Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Alpine.
The competition will employ a double-elimination format, ensuring a rigorous test of nerves and skill for the Indian duo as they strive to prove their mettle against established global icons.
Building a Motorsport Legacy
The F1 Sim Racing India Open is a cornerstone of MFRL’s broader vision to establish a sustainable talent pipeline for Indian motorsport. Through their "One in a Billion" initiative, MFRL aims to democratize the sport, making it more accessible to the masses while identifying and nurturing raw talent through structured opportunities.
How to Watch and Attend
Fans eager to witness the adrenaline-pumping action of the Cup of Nations can watch the event live at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai, with tickets available via District by Zomato. For those unable to attend in person, the championship will be streamed live on the official YouTube channel of the Mumbai Falcons.
F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026: Top 10 (Open Category)
- 1. Karl Verghese – 150 points
- 2. Siddharth S – 96 points
- 3. Amith Kutti – 91 points
- 4. Dinesh Srivatsa – 56 points
- 5. Yug Sharma – 52 points
- 6. Ajitesh Chandran – 49 points
- 7. Lakshya Sethi – 30 points
- 8. Anvay Mali – 17 points
- 9. Harshawardhan Mahajan – 16 points
- 10. Rahul Sridhar – 15 points