Indian international cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has officially stepped into the motorsport world, joining Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited (MFRL) as a brand ambassador for the upcoming F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026. According to SportsMint Media, Rodrigues partners with Shreyas Iyer to help expand the reach of motorsport across India, as race organizers look to discover the country’s next homegrown talent for the global Formula 1 platform.
The appointment comes at a time when Formula 1 is experiencing growth in India and worldwide, particularly among female audiences. Industry figures show that women account for roughly 42% of Formula 1’s global following—up from 37% in 2018—while Indian viewership has surged from approximately 31 million fans in 2020 to nearly 79 million. Women currently represent over 40% of the sport’s total audience within India, reflecting a shifting demographic that team directors and sports executives are eager to cultivate through grassroots and simulator programs.
Rodrigues expressed enthusiasm about bridging traditional sports with modern racing culture. “I’ve always believed that sport has the power to challenge perceptions and open doors for the next generation,” Rodrigues said. “Cricket has given me opportunities I could only dream of as a child, and I hope this programme inspires more young girls to believe that no sport is out of reach.”
F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 Structure and Regional Trials
The F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 is designed to cast a wide net across the country, inviting gaming enthusiasts and aspiring drivers to test their skills. Competitors will begin through online qualifiers hosted on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, utilizing F1 25, the official video game of the FIA Formula One World Championship featuring authentic team liveries and official circuits.
Following the digital qualifiers, the competition moves into live simulator rounds spanning ten cities across India. Notably, upcoming time trials will take place at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi from July 30 to August 1, where athletes can secure a place in the next phase of the championship. The tournament features a substantial prize pool of two crore rupees, designated specifically to fund driver development and support fresh talent as they pursue professional careers in motorsport.
Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director of Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, highlighted the strategic importance of engaging younger and more diverse audiences. “Formula 1 is evolving rapidly, and so is its audience,” Gadhoke noted. “More youth and female audiences are following the sport than ever before, making this the right time to create opportunities that are open to everyone with the passion and talent to succeed. Jemimah represents the confidence, ambition and sporting excellence that resonates with this new generation.”
Grassroots Development and the Future of Indian Motorsport
The F1 Sim Racing India Open operates as a core pillar within MFRL’s broader F1 India Programme. Beyond elite simulator tournaments, the initiative encompasses grassroots projects, including the newly inaugurated Flagship Partner School program. This educational initiative introduces children to racing fundamentals through structured simulator training and targeted talent development.
By pairing established cricket stars like Rodrigues and Iyer with state-of-the-art virtual racing infrastructure, Mumbai Falcons aims to demystify motorsport for families and young aspirants.
As online qualifiers approach and city-based simulator rounds take shape, participants are encouraged to monitor official tournament portals for registration updates and venue schedules. Share your thoughts on this initiative in the comments below, and join the conversation on social media as India’s next generation of racing talent steps up to the simulator.
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