Meet the 16-year-old aiming to be Africa’s next Formula 1 champion
Ghazi Motlekar, a 16-year-old with a South African father and Mozambican mother, is emerging as a potential Formula 1 star for Africa. Hailing from Johannesburg, where his “need for speed” first took root, he could soon end the continent’s decades-long wait for a homegrown F1 driver.
While racing wasn’t a family tradition, Motlekar’s eighth birthday, celebrated with go-karting, introduced a new passion into the family.
When asked about his first time accelerating a car, Motlekar told Forbes Africa, “It’s something I’ll never forget—that feeling of shooting back into the seat was euphoric.”
At first, his talent was just a hobby. But his mother encouraged him, and it quickly turned into a growing career.
His performance elevated under the mentorship of father-son duo, Hugh and Wesleigh Orr.
“Wesleigh helped me become the driver I am, and Uncle Hugh instilled confidence in me. He taught me how to represent a driver,” said Motlekar.
Winning the under-13 Mini Max Title in South Africa solidified his ambition to race in Formula 1. He then moved to Italy at the age of 11, just two months after his win.
“Europe is a whole different ball game,” Motlekar admitted—but he arrived ready to play.
Losing the Italian National Championship by a single point, his debut season was almost flawless. While that slim defeat might still bother him, it was obvious that Motlekar possessed the necessary competitive drive.
“Losing the championship aggravated me, but it also helped me develop and believe in myself,” he recounted.
In 2022, he joined the Parolin Kart Racing Team to compete on the FIA Karting European Championship circuit. During this time, he represented Mozambique at the Motorsport Games, confirming his commitment to the southern African nation.
Motlekar is focusing on the FIA Italian F4 Championship, starting in May, after a successful season with six podium finishes in the FIA F4 Indian Championship.
The FIA Italian F4 Championship is known for discovering future talent, including current Formula One champion Lando Norris and 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, a two-time race winner. Furthermore, drivers compete on some of the most famous circuits in racing, such as Monza and Imola.
This time, unlike the junior events Motlekar is used to, he’ll be dealing with over 500 horsepower. This will rocket him into high-speed chicanes, pushing speeds on the straights to over 250 kilometers per hour (kph).
“It’s an emotional sport, but you can’t be emotional while driving because you have to make split-second decisions where you risk your life,” he explained, adding, “I’m completely prepared to take those risks.”
“I spend an unreasonable amount of time in the gym… You can’t progress in motorsport without being mentally and physically strong,” he continued.
Motlekar, who sees himself as a natural showman on the track, remarked, “My style is so different compared to everybody else. I like to put on a show for people and be the hunter rather than the hunted.”
Motlekar excels as his tires wear down, a skill he developed by managing grip on old tires in challenging conditions. He is only two steps—Formula 3 and Formula 2—from becoming Mozambique’s first Formula 1 driver, and he is determined to win and build a lasting legacy.
“I want to destroy records and be the driver that puts Africa on top,” he emphasized. “I want people to recognize young African talents and to leave doors open for them after my career.”
More than forty years have passed since a driver from Africa competed in Formula 1. Motlekar’s determined and focused demeanor clearly shows a young driver ready to make a difference.
Motlekar is candid about his racing tenacity, echoing the fierce philosophy of his hero, the late, great Ayrton Senna, who famously stated that a true racing driver must always go for a gap that exists.
He declared, “If there’s an opportunity to overtake someone on the outside on a fast corner, of course I’m going to take it.”
