Ajith Kumar Bags ‘Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025’ in Venice; Shalini Expresses Pride

Chennai: Actor Ajith Kumar has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025’ award in Venice, marking a milestone in his debut international racing season with Ajith Kumar Racing. The award—presented in memory of entrepreneur and racing driver Philippe Charriol—was conferred by the SRO Motorsports Group, a global leader in GT racing.

Accompanying him at the ceremony was his wife, Shalini, who took to Instagram to share her joy and admiration. Posting photos from the event, she wrote:
“Honoured to stand beside my husband in Venice, as he is being awarded ‘Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025’…”

A Fitting Recognition of a Dream Year

Ajith Kumar’s win is being widely seen as a deserving appreciation of his commitment to motorsport. In 2025, the actor fulfilled his long-standing dream of becoming a professional racer by launching Ajith Kumar Racing, which went on to represent India in multiple high-intensity international racing championships across Europe and the Middle East.

What made the journey even more remarkable was Ajith’s decision not just to own the team, but to race alongside his drivers, competing in demanding endurance events and securing several accolades, including the team’s first international podium finish.

A Season of Hard Work, Firsts, and Growth

In October, Ajith Kumar Racing announced the conclusion of its debut season with an emotional note of gratitude. Ajith wrote:
“We could write countless stories from this incredible year… What matters most is that we grew stronger with every lap and every challenge. This is only the beginning.”

The team reflected on the immense effort behind their racing journey—

• countless hours of preparation,

• mechanical challenges,

• sleepless nights for engineers and mechanics,

• adapting to new tracks and conditions,

• moments of heartbreak and missed opportunities.

Yet, each setback became a stepping stone, contributing to the team's evolution into a formidable international competitor.

Ajith Kumar Racing also acknowledged the support of series organisers, partner teams, crew, fans, and well-wishers who fuelled their journey through every race and every long night at the paddock.

Looking Ahead

As the debut season wrapped up, Ajith noted that the team now stands not only as competitors but as a unit that has grown, learned, and transformed.
“This season was built on hard work and humility. We’ll carry forward everything we’ve learned into the next chapter with even greater focus and dedication,” he said.

With the Gentleman Driver of the Year recognition now added to his achievements, Ajith Kumar’s racing chapter appears poised for even greater heights in the seasons to come.