Motorsport UK has announced that Karun Chandhok has been appointed to its board of directors. He brings on board a wealth of motorsport experience and a vast history of championing representation in the discipline.
One of only two Indian drivers to have ever progressed into Formula 1, Chandhok has also achieved multiple race wins and podiums in GP2 (F2), alongside previous work as a test driver for Red Bull Racing Formula 1 in 2007-2008.
Chandhok’s motorsport experience includes a stint in Formula 1 for Hispania Racing and Team Lotus in 2010 and 2011. In 2012 he moved on to compete in sportscars, where he became the first Indian to run in the 24hrs of Le Mans, in which he achieved a top- six class finish during the 2012, 2013 and 2015 races. After this, he negotiated the entry of Mahindra Racing into the Formula E championship, where he competed for the team in 2014-15.
Chandhok still competes on rare occasions but more recently he has carved himself a career in the motorsport media sector, having been a commentator, analyst, and columnist and contributor for an array of motorsport publications. He currently works with Sky Sports F1.
The 37-year-old is already a member of Motorsport UK’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, where he sits on its Racial Diversity Sub-Committee. Alongside this, he is a member of the FIA Drivers’ Commission, advocating for the rights and views of drivers internationally.
“Karun is a respected and accomplished member of the motorsport community, whose wide-ranging experience from a variety of vantage points will be a major asset to Motorsport UK as we continue to grow and sustain the sport,” said David Richards, Motorsport UK chair. “In particular, his values as a champion for a more equitable future for our sport will be a force for good as we ensure motorsport in the UK celebrates diversity and enables the full involvement of disadvantaged groups. I am confident that he will have a positive impact on our board, on our organization as a whole and on our community.”
“I feel very honored to be invited onto the board of Motorsport UK,” commented Chandhok, who is Motorsport UK’s youngest board member to date. “I moved to England from India nearly 20 years ago because the belief at the time was that if you wanted to get to Formula 1, you had to come and race in the UK as it was the capital of world motorsport. To now have the opportunity to work with the rest of the board and the Motorsport UK organization in shaping the future landscape of motorsport in the UK is very exciting.”
