Interview by Elena Giordani, Sara Del Mistero and Isabella Tomassi. Edited by Marianna Duca.
During the last weekend of the Italian F4 Championship at Vallelunga, we had the chance to chat with the rookie driver Akshay Bohra.
The Indian American is one of the America’s rising stars and this year he took part in the Italian and European Formula 4 with US Racing. He debuted in the single-seater category last year, as his karting performances earned him a spot in Italian F4 for the final two races.
Are you excited about the last two races of this season?
Yeah, I think we don’t have an ideal starting position, but nonetheless there’s a lot to play for, especially at this track, it’s so tight, anything can really happen … and it’s the last two races of this championship so people are going to go for it.
What was your favorite race this year?
I would say that my favorite race has been Mugello in the Euro 4 Championship: I think it was a very strong result. In the Italian Championship probably Mugello also. I feel like we had consistent top 5 results in the two races and in the other one we finished sixth, which is very solid.
So you like Mugello! Is it your favourite circuit?
I would say Mugello, Imola and Monza are my three favourite ones. I can’t really pinpoint one of them.
Would you change something about your season?
Probably not, we had a bit of misfortune this Championship, but in terms of driving I wouldn’t change anything. I feel like I’ve done this season with no regrets, I’ve never gone out of the car and said “I wish I would’ve done this”: I feel like I left it all on track.
Do you have a good memory from this season?
A good memory was probably my first podium in the Italian Championship which was in Monza, that felt really nice, just to see the whole team happy. I’ve got to share it with one of my good friends Kacper [Stzuka, winner of the 2023 Italian F4 Championship] and party after.
What’s your goal for 2024?
I never set goals in terms of results, I always just try to have fun, learn, do my best, and if I do all three then I have one in my books.
The Vallelunga weekend had its ups and downs for the driver: after two DNFs in Race 1 and 2, he achieved P3 and one last podium for 2023. Bohra finished the season with a P8 in the Drivers’ Standings.
