Mumbai Falcons Racing (MFRL) has appointed Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues as the brand ambassador for the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026. She joins cricketer Shreyas Iyer in promoting the championship, which aims to identify Indian sim racing talent and create pathways to global Formula 1 esports competitions.
As part of the announcement, Rodrigues encouraged aspiring racers and gaming enthusiasts to participate in the nationwide competition. She also invited fans to attend the Time Trials being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from July 30 to August 1, where participants will compete for qualification to the next stage of the championship.
The championship comes amid rising interest in Formula 1 across India. According to figures shared by MFRL, women now account for around 40% of India’s Formula 1 audience, while the country’s overall F1 fanbase has grown from an estimated 31 million in 2020 to nearly 79 million. Globally, women make up 42% of Formula 1’s fanbase, with almost half of all new fans in 2025 being women.
Following its Mumbai leg, the competition has moved to Delhi with a revised qualification format that allows participants to earn direct entry to the zonal stage through centralised time trials. The championship also offers a Rs 2 crore driver development fund, intended to support promising racers in pursuing opportunities within the Formula 1 ecosystem.
Mumbai Falcons said Rodrigues’ sporting journey and growing appeal among young audiences align with its objective of encouraging greater participation in motorsport, particularly among women and aspiring racers.
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Speaking about joining the initiative, Jemimah Rodrigues, said: “I’ve always believed that sport has the power to challenge perceptions and open doors for the next generation. 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. Formula 1 and motorsport are attracting a whole new generation of fans, and it’s exciting to be part of an initiative that gives young people a chance to compete, learn and dream bigger.”
She further added, “Cricket and racing both demand quick decision-making, consistency and composure under pressure, and I’m looking forward to meeting aspiring racers from across the country as they begin their journey.”
Speaking about the brand ambassadors’ announcement, Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director, Mumbai Falcons Racing said, “Formula 1 is evolving rapidly, and so is its audience. 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.”
He further added, “Jemimah represents the confidence, ambition and sporting excellence that resonates with this new generation, and her association strengthens our vision of building a more inclusive motorsport community. If more young girls begin to see motorsport as a sport they can actively participate in, we will have achieved something meaningful.”
