Sambudla Dominates F4 Indian Championship Round 3 to Seize Points Lead
Luviwe Sambudla takes the points lead in the F4 Indian Championship, while 15-year-old Aaron Mehta makes history in Chennai.
The Madras International Circuit in Chennai became the stage for high-octane drama, historic milestones, and a massive shift in the title race during Round 3 of the F4 Indian Championship. Part of the Indian Racing Festival 2026, the event saw Goa Aces JA Racing’s Luviwe Sambudla transform a narrow deficit into a commanding lead, while a teenage prodigy etched his name into the record books.
Sambudla’s Masterclass in Chennai
Entering the weekend five points behind the leader, Luviwe Sambudla delivered a powerhouse performance across the 3.717-kilometre circuit. The Goa Aces JA Racing driver showcased superior pace and tactical brilliance, securing two wins and a third-place finish over the course of October 22 and 23.
Sambudla's charge was particularly impressive given his starting positions. In both the first and second races, he started from sixth on the grid, yet managed to carve through the field to claim victory. His dominance has catapulted him to the top of the standings with 138 points, now holding a 21-point advantage over Aris Kyriakou of Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru, who sits at 117 points.
Wet Weather and Wheel-to-Wheel Battles
The opening race was a test of nerves and grip as rain swept across the track. While Aris Kyriakou took an early lead, Sambudla steadily climbed the ranks. On the ninth lap, Kyriakou lost rear grip, allowing Sambudla to seize the lead and eventually win by a substantial margin of 9.606 seconds, clocking the fastest lap at 1:48.647.
The first race also highlighted the tenacity of Speed Demons Delhi’s Ntiyiso Mabunda, who staged a remarkable recovery from tenth on the grid to finish second. Aryan Narola of Goa Aces JA Racing rounded out the podium in third, while Krishay Gutte emerged as the top Indian finisher in sixth place.
The momentum continued in the second race under a reverse-grid format. Again starting sixth, Sambudla fought his way to the front to secure his second consecutive win in 33:22.590. This race was far tighter, with Mabunda finishing just 1.211 seconds behind. Kyriakou managed to recover from his earlier struggles to claim third place.
A Historic Breakthrough for Aaron Mehta
While Sambudla dominated the standings, the final race belonged to 15-year-old Aaron Mehta. Representing the Kolkata Royal Tigers, Mehta made history by becoming the youngest race winner in the history of the F4 Indian Championship.
Starting from pole position, the teenager displayed maturity beyond his years. Despite a race marred by incidents, a red flag, and a safety car period, Mehta held his nerve. He fended off a fierce late-race assault from Ntiyiso Mabunda, crossing the finish line just 0.546 seconds ahead to claim his maiden victory.
Weekend Summary and Standings
- Luviwe Sambudla (Goa Aces JA Racing): 2 Wins, 1 Podium; now leads the championship with 138 points.
- Ntiyiso Mabunda (Speed Demons Delhi): Consistent second-place finishes in all three races.
- Aaron Mehta (Kolkata Royal Tigers): Youngest winner in championship history.
- Aris Kyriakou (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru): Slipped to second in the standings with 117 points.