The first “06880” story on Vivek Kanthan ran nearly 5 years ago.
The Westporter had just become a New York state karting champion. Impressively, he had taken up the sport only a couple of years earlier.
Plus, he was just 10 years old.
Vivek Kanthan, with some of his trophies in 2020.
The story (click here) described Vivek’s route to the top: his preparation, patience, and will to win.
It also noted his ultimate goal: to be a Formula 1 racer.
For 5 years, Vivek has raced to the top. The courses grew more challenging. He got faster. His trophies piled up — including a US national title and Supernationals vice-championship, both in his first 2 years of racing.
He added a World Superfinal and Italian Trofeo in 2022. In his rookie junior season in 2023, he reached the FIA European podium. He is now a junior kart racing world champion.
This year — even before getting his driver’s license — 15-year-old Vivek Kanthan is on track to become a Formular 1 race car driver.
Vivek Kanthan, on the track.
Many Americans know the sport through “Drive to Survive,” the Netflix series.
They also know that the last American to win a Formula 1 championship was in 1978 — when Jimmy Carter was president.
Vivek’s new goal is to break that drought.
Vivek — who has spent the past couple of years flying dozens of times between the US and Europe — has just signed with a top Spanish team. He will make his single-seater debut in March with Campos Racing, in Spanish Formula 4.
Vivek Kanthan, today.
We’re stuck in Westport. But we can follow his journey through Instagram (@vivekkanthan) or his website.
Great story! Great young man!
Very exciting to watch him come up through the ranks!
End the drought Vivek! Awesome goal that I am sure you will achieve!
Another trek by the guy named Vivek.
What are you trying to say?
Jesse, just a rhythmic response. Don’t read too much into it.
Rooting for you Vivek! Hopefully next American F1 World Driver Champion driving for Haas or Cadillac.
Go Vivek! Your drive and discipline is sure to pay off.