Vivek Kanthan arrived in single seaters in 2025 with a résumé that already hinted at pace. A decorated international karting career had prepared him for the step, but nothing quite matches the reality of lining up in one of the most competitive junior categories in the world. At just 15, the Indian-American joined with Campos Racing for the Spanish Formula 4 Championship and finished the year ninth overall and third among rookies, a result that reads solid on paper and felt instructive in real time.
The season announced itself early. Kanthan points immediately to Jerez, the opening weekend, as the moment that shifted his expectations. “My biggest highlight is probably the first F4 weekend in Jerez, I didn’t expect to be on the podium against such a strong field on debut,” he said. It was a signal that the speed translated, even if consistency would take longer to settle. Across the main Spanish F4 campaign he logged multiple top ten finishes and capped the year with an overall podium in the finale, a quiet confirmation that the pieces were coming together.
Outside the core championship, his rookie year expanded quickly. He placed fifth in the Eurocup 4 Winter Championship with four podiums and won the SWC rookie title, another marker of progress across different conditions. A guest appearance in NACAM Formula 4 in Mexico City added a sharp exclamation point. “Winning the SWC rookie title and also getting a win in my first race in Mexico were pretty big highlights of the year,” he said. For a driver still learning the language of car racing, the ability to adapt across continents stood out.
Not everything flowed smoothly. Kanthan was open about the stretch in the middle of the season where results plateaued. “Obviously a top 10 in the toughest F4 championship in the world is still a good result for a rookie, but I was shooting for a bit higher,” he explained. The challenge was technical as much as mental. “During the hotter months of the year I had to make some big technique changes in my driving style which took some time to work through.” The breakthrough came late, with a podium in Barcelona that validated the work.
Away from the circuit, the year widened his world. He speaks warmly about a family trip to Canada, visiting Mexico for the first time beyond the paddock, and the relief of a long summer break spent at home in the US. The off season was simpler in focus. “Spending time at home with my family and preparing off track for the season,” he said.
Looking ahead, the ambition is clear. “My goal is always to win, and I think we have a good shot at getting the championship so I'm going for that.” The advice he offers newcomers reflects a season lived honestly. “It's a marathon, not a sprint. Progress comes step by step, keep evolving and learning every race and practice session and the results will come.”
