‘F1 is the dream’: Indian national karting champion Rivaan

JASWANT GAUTAM

GANGTOK, :At just 12 years old, Rivaan Dev Preetham from Chennai is making waves in the motorsport world. A two-time and the current Indian national karting champion (2023 & 2024), as well as the Meco Meritus champion for the same years, Rivaan has rapidly become one of India’s brightest young talents in go-karting. Along with this, his father, Preetham Dev Moses, has also clinched multiple titles and seven national championships in bike racing.

Notably, Rivaan became the first and only Indian to win a race at the prestigious FIA Motorsport Games at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia, Spain where he finished an impressive 8th in his debut international season. He now competes on the global stage in the 2025 Champions of the Future Academy Programme, a karting series promoted by the F1 Academy, racing alongside the world's best young talents.

Currently in Grade 6 at Lady Andal House of Children, Rivaan balances a demanding racing schedule with his academics. As part of Team Msport, he has upcoming international rounds in Italy, Hungary, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. During his recent visit to Gangtok for the JK Tyre Car Rally Go-Kart Show, Rivaan sat down with Sikkim Express for an exclusive interview.

What first sparked your interest in go-karting? Was there a moment when you knew this was your path?

RIVAAN: My dad is a seven-time national champion in bike racing. He custom-built me a go-kart, and after school, I’d just cruise around for fun. I began getting better at it. When I was 9, I entered the national championship and finished 6th in my debut season. Since then, I have gone on to win both years that followed. 

What was it like growing up in Chennai, and how did it influence you as a racer and as a person?

RIVAAN: I love Chennai, but cricket is the most dominant sport there. The weather is pretty good, though.

Managing school and international racing must be challenging. How do you balance it all?

RIVAAN: I try to stay on top of schoolwork and attend whenever I can—to meet my friends and, of course, to study. But my main focus is racing.

What does your training routine look like ahead of a big race?

RIVAAN: I calm myself down by listening to music. Physically, I go to the gym and swim. I cut back on sweets, eat high-protein meals, and avoid junk food.

How did it feel to become the first Indian to win a race at the FIA Motorsport Games?

RIVAAN: I was really happy. I mentally prepared myself to give my best, and the weather played to my strengths.

How do you maintain focus and composure during races?

RIVAAN: My dad and I have a simple strategy: I just focus on beating the next driver ahead of me—one opponent at a time.

From placing 6th in 2022 to dominating now—what has that journey been like?

RIVAAN: I am proud of what I’ve achieved. It took hard work, patience, and a lot of practice. I didn’t train properly for my first season, but after that, I focused more—and started winning."

What has competing in the Champions of the Future Academy Programme taught you?

RIVAAN: Many racers have the edge because they practice more—sometimes five days a week—whereas we have to travel long distances and race with limited prep. Still, I believe I’m just as good and can beat anyone.

Has there been a race that didn’t go as planned but taught you something valuable?

RIVAAN: In Round 2 of 2023, I didn’t have the fastest car. I had to fight hard to beat my teammate. I learned that nothing is guaranteed until the finish line—anything can change in an instant.

Tell us about your team, Msport. How do they support you?

RIVAAN: I am trained by Mr.Armaan Ibrahim, and my personal coach is Mr. Rakesh Ramkumar. They’re the backbone of my career. They give input, but I heavily rely on my own intuition. They taught me everything I know about this sport that I'm in.

How do you prepare for races in countries like Italy, Hungary, Qatar and Abu Dhabi?

RIVAAN: Gym is non-negotiable. Mentally, I don’t overthink things. I take it one race at a time to avoid pressure.

Any rivals or races that truly pushed you?

RIVAAN: The grid in the Champions of the Future is extremely competitive. In India, I can figure out how to win, but internationally, it’s cutthroat. Europe is where you prove yourself—it’s where I need to sharpen my skills because scouts are watching. I usually get only a day to adjust before the race.

How do you keep the success from going to your head?

RIVAAN: I celebrate finals wins—but then it’s straight back to the gym.

What’s your ultimate goal—Formula 1 or something else?

RIVAAN: F1 is the dream. But if not, there’s the GT World Challenge, Indy Car and more. Motorsport is where I will build my career.

What advice would you give to young racers looking up to you?

RIVAAN: Just go for it. Give your best and see where it takes you. You’ll face challenges, but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.