At 18 years old, Akshay Bohra made Indian history with his victory at Imola during the 2025 FRECA season. Fresh off a Paul Ricard podium, Bohra claimed his first pole position on Sunday, which he converted into a win. This pole position, along with his triumph, was the very first for an Indian driver in the single-seater series. In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Akshay Bohra explains how he defines racing history for himself and India.
Defining his Imola victory
Asked about the effect of his 2025 FRECA win not just on himself but for India, Bohra beamed with pride. “What came out of it was great. And obviously, the impact that I actually had on the motorsport community in India and what it means to them and what it means to me and all the history that I’ve kind of made has been nice.”
“Especially me growing up in India, racing more than 10 years ago to now do things that no Indian driver has ever done is obviously an amazing feeling,” the 18-year-old recalled. “I hope that I could do more of it and keep going in this upward trajectory that I have been doing for the last three rounds.”
During the month-long break between Imola and Hockenheim, Bohra flew home to India to participate at the Indian Racing Festival. The series, supervised by the Indian Racing League (IRL), was home to the Hyderabad Blackbirds, where Bohra was a part of. Back in his home base, the Indian-American driver described the warmth displayed by his peers.
“I was racing in India a few weeks ago, or last week, and met a few drivers who were karting or saying really nice things about me and et cetera… so seeing the impact live is obviously very heartwarming.”
“I mean, we’ve had Formula One drivers, but they didn’t have the greatest reputation, if we’re being frank,” Bohra admitted, “And especially now with how much motorsports growing, the fact that I can inspire some people, I think, I hope that I can grow the community.”
Further developments in India’s racing scene
As Bohra raced for the Indian series’ season opener, he described the feeling of racing with his peers once more. “It’s always a joy to be back in India racing. You know, a lot of these guys I grew up with, and I’ve raced 2014, 15, 16. And I’m only racing with them again since back then. So it’s definitely really cool to catch up with everyone.”
He noted, however, that the Indian Racing League’s target market and learning curve varies from that of typical Formula 4. “It’s probably targeted more towards experienced drivers, I’d say. Because we have limited track time, like the Indian Racing League specifically, not Indian F4. Indian F4, I think is good for development side.”
“From a driver’s perspective, it’s not something people should be targeting to really develop. I think Indian F4 is a better championship if you’re trying to develop and get more experience racing.“
Despite the difference, Bohra believes the IRL can be a great tool for potential drivers. “That being said, I think from a motorsport perspective, the Indian Racing League has the potential to be something that can greatly influence the ecosystem,” the 18-year-old commented.
“If it grows more and more, if more street circuits happen, more celebrities and sponsors get involved, that could definitely help India as a whole, have a new sport that’s second to cricket, which is pretty much the massive sport that’s in India.”
Integrating personal branding with racing
Akshay Bohra’s brand circulates around the moniker “The Flying Naan”, evident all over his socials. The Indian-American driver acknowledged the impact of marketing and having a clear personality online. “At the end of the day, having something on the side and having this personality can also help you make a living and make a way. Even at my level, I think it’s important to have some sort of personal brand.“
Bohra also gauged his future, noting his academic duties as a student as well as his racing career. “If I wasn’t [a student], if or when I graduate, I’ll probably be a racing driver first. And the second thing would be building my brand, trying to get sponsors, trying to get involved with the community in general.”
McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris, who is also under Bohra’s management team ADD Management, has achieved success from personal branding. From LN4 to capturing Gen Z audience with Quadrant, Norris struck a gold mine—can Bohra say the same soon?
“I wouldn’t say it’s created anything life-changing. I mean, very small things have come out of it. I’m branding myself as an Indian driver,“ Bohra commented on his marketing efforts.
“And right now the backing in India towards motorsport drivers in general isn’t really high. So it is hard to attract like sponsors and whatnot or seats because there’s just not much drive from the people.”
Bohra’s support systems during the 2025 FRECA season
During race weekends, Bohra isn’t alone. He’s accompanied by his coach, engineer, guardian, and sports psychologist to name a few of his team. Asked on the impact of his support systems, the 18-year-old highlighted their closeness and how it translates off-track.
“Those four people are the ones that are really close to me for racing, especially. And also I guess a lot of my life, because 99% of my life is racing. And they’ve definitely helped me work through things, helped me evolve as not only an athlete and a driver, but as a person, because a lot of the things you learn on track or at the track transfer into just life lessons.”
Besides having a crucial support system during the season, Bohra also believes in a driver’s own adaptability. “You know, you got to work through things on your own. I mean, no one’s coming to save me. You know, when you’re in the car, you have the radio, but you’re the one who presses the gas, the brake, you turn, you make the decisions. And I think it’s the same with life.”
Outside the team, the Indian-American driver also finds support in his fans. For his final words, Bohra sends his thanks for the community and their support as he goes forward in racing.
“I want to say a massive thank you. I really appreciate the support. It does help me a lot. Not only, you know, just boost my morale and give me confidence and drive, but at the same time, it has and will eventually lead to me, to more, you know, career success and opportunities.”
