Ajith Kumar Bags ‘Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025’ in Venice

Actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar was recently honoured with the Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025 award in Venice, Italy, recognising his remarkable debut season with Ajith Kumar Racing. The award, presented in memory of the late entrepreneur and racing driver Philippe Charriol, was conferred by the SRO Motorsports Group, with its CEO Stéphane Ratel personally presenting the accolade.

Accompanying him at the ceremony, wife Shalini took to Instagram to express her pride, writing that she felt “honoured to stand beside my husband in Venice” during this recognition of his international racing journey.

Ajith Kumar’s entry into competitive racing this year has been ambitious and impactful. Through his team, Ajith Kumar Racing, he participated in multiple demanding international endurance championships, becoming the first Indian team to compete full-time across European and Middle Eastern circuits. The team not only raced but also achieved its first international podium finishes, marking a successful debut season.

Reflecting on the journey, Ajith Kumar Racing highlighted the immense effort behind every race weekend. Mechanics and engineers worked tirelessly to perfect the cars, while drivers adapted to new tracks, teams, and challenging conditions. Despite setbacks, mechanical issues, and missed opportunities, the team turned every challenge into a stepping stone toward growth and experience.

Ajith himself said, “We could write countless stories from this incredible year, but that’s for another day. What matters most is that we grew stronger with every lap and every challenge. This is only the beginning.” The team also expressed gratitude to organisers, partner teams, staff, and fans for their unwavering support throughout the season.

The award and the debut season underline Ajith Kumar’s dual identity as both a celebrated actor and a passionate racer, showcasing his dedication, skill, and determination on the international motorsport stage.