At just 12 years old, Rivaan Dev Preetham is already rewriting the script for Indian motorsport prodigies. Hailing from Chennai, Rivaan is a two-time Indian National Karting Champion (2023 & 2024) and two times Meco Meritus Cup winner. He’s the first and only Indian to win a race at the FIA Motorsport Games, where he placed 8th overall in his debut international season.
Racing under Team Msport, Rivaan now competes in the Champions of the Future Academy Programme, a karting series promoted by the F1 Academy. With upcoming rounds in Italy, Hungary, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, he’s not just chasing podiums—he’s chasing a dream: Formula 1.
Mentored by legends like Armaan Ebrahim and backed by his father, Preetham Dev Moses, a seven-time national bike racing champion, Rivaan’s journey is fueled by precision, passion, and purpose. Whether it’s balancing school at Lady Andal House of Children or cutting sweets before race day, Rivaan is all-in.
You’ve won national titles and raced internationally before turning 13. What does success feel like at this age?
I don’t think about it much, to be honest.
Success feels good, and I enjoy winning but it’s also only for that day. I wake up the next day to reset and start all over again. I have a long way to go so I can’t let up off throttle for more than a few moments!
What’s your earliest memory of being behind the wheel of a kart?
My father built me a baby kart for my 5th birthday and that’s what started this journey. What was meant to be a hobby, became a passion and now a profession! There’s nothing I’d rather be doing than racing! My earliest memory is my first drift in my garage in that kart!
How did your father’s legacy in bike racing shape your own journey in motorsport?
I’m inspired by him and I know that racing is in my blood. He is my biggest support and strength because he knows what I need to do to get to where I want. His understanding of racing gives me an edge on what to do even on track. I discuss everything with him before, during and after my races. He allows me to find my own way with the input he gives me.
You’ve raced at circuits from Chennai to Valencia. Which track has challenged you the most, and why?
The easiest one that I enjoyed is the Aspar track in Valencia, and the most challenging has been Portimão. It’s technical and fast, and that weekend when I raced, the weather literally changed from rainy to sunny every ten minutes so we had to adapt every session!
How do you train differently for international races compared to national ones?
I train the same way for all my races. I just know and have more access to the national tracks so there is more practice here. In the International tracks, I am required to learn and adapt quickly, with almost no practice. We have 4-5 sessions to learn the track and then compete. We usually arrive and drive because it’s not always viable to go earlier and practice.
You’re in Grade 7 and racing globally. How do you manage school, friends, and karting?
I don’t have many friends because they all go to regular school and I’m barely around to socialize with them. My training schedule doesn’t allow for a lot of free time, and I accept that as what needs to be done. It’s not easy but it’s worth it. I log in to classes when I’m not racing, but my focus is on racing is my priority. I study and do my tests well with decent scores.
Do your classmates know you’re a national champion? What’s their reaction?
I have a few close friends and I don’t think it makes any difference to them. They are proud of me and tell their friends about me, but it doesn’t affect our relationship in any way. They understand that I’m not around only because I have a demanding schedule.
You’re part of the F1 Academy’s karting series. What does that mean to you?
I am driving the Champions of the Future Academy series across Europe and Asia. It’s a challenging step in to the European circuits because the level of competition is high and ruthless. I am forced to up my game and adjust quickly because literally, if you hesitate, 5 karts get past you! It means a lot to represent India globally, and be noticed for what I do. I have a long way to go, and the plan is to start winning there sooner than later.
Who are your motorsport idols, and what have you learned from watching them?
My current favourite F1 driver is Lando norris, but my idols are Alonso, Verstappen and Hamilton. There are many things about each of them that I want to emulate and put together in myself. Max’s aggression, Lewis in the way he is calm and cool under pressure, and the way Alonso just never gives up. Closer home, I look up to Narain (Karthikeyan) uncle who is always supportive and encouraging because he reached F1 from India in a time it seemed impossible. My Dad will always be the one who inspires me the most with his sheer hard work, determination and strong work ethic.
If you could race alongside any F1 driver for a day, who would it be and what would you ask him?
I would like to race alongside Max because he is the most complete driver. I’d like to know how his mind works and how he manages to come out on top of any situation.
You’ve made history at the FIA Motorsport Games. What does representing India on a global stage mean to you?
Whenever and where ever I race, I am representing India. I do my best but I also don’t think about it too much so it doesn’t put pressure on me. I make sure I behave responsibly and respectfully, so I only bring a good name to my country her people. The accolades I may receive are a bonus.
What do you think Indian motorsport needs to support more young karters like you?
We need more visibility and financial support for sure, the way our country supports cricket and other known sports. Motorsport is still considered elite and is lesser known. Making it more accessible and also getting it more coverage will help the sport grow. More sponsors coming in to readily support motorsport athletes is a necessity since it gets more expensive as you level up, especially internationally.
How do you want fans to remember Rivaan Dev Preetham five years from now?
I’d always like to be remembered for being a good person with good attitude, for my sportsmanship and integrity. My records will speak for themselves
What are your hobbies?
I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies. Between fitness, studying and racing, I enjoy playing on my ps5, practicing on my sim, and I dabble in football, cricket and badminton. I also enjoy cycling and swimming. I enjoy building Lego cars and that’s my reward after every good race weekend – my parents have to buy me a Lego set of my choice!
