Former Indian Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok took the legendary Red Bull RB8 for a special run at the Buddh International Circuit, bringing the iconic machine back to the track where it once made history. The car famously powered Sebastian Vettel to victory at the Indian Grand Prix, during the same dominant season in which he secured the Formula One World Championship.
More than a decade later, the return of the RB8 to Buddh was a moment filled with nostalgia for motorsport fans. As the unmistakable sound of the V8 engine echoed across the circuit once again, it reminded everyone of the era when Formula 1 raced in India and of the machine that once ruled the championship.
The showcase run also marked the first time in 13 years that a Formula 1 car returned to the Buddh International Circuit, making the moment even more special for the local motorsport community.
For me, it was a great pleasure to capture history once again and leave another unique mark through photographs.
ABOUT KARUN CHANDHOK
Karun Chandhok is one of India’s most recognizable figures in international motorsport. Born in Chennai in 1984, he rose through the ranks of junior racing series in Europe before reaching Formula 1 in 2010 with the HRT Formula One Team. His appearance on the Formula 1 grid made him only the second Indian driver to compete in the sport, following Narain Karthikeyan.
After his time in Formula 1, Chandhok continued to compete internationally in endurance racing and other top-level series while also becoming a respected voice in the sport. Today he is widely known as a motorsport analyst and commentator for broadcasters such as Sky Sports F1, where he brings technical insight and firsthand racing experience to global audiences.
Alongside his media work, Chandhok remains closely involved with motorsport development in India, frequently participating in special events and demonstration runs that celebrate the country’s connection to Formula 1.