Hyderabad Formula 1 Fans Gather Across City for Race Screenings and Watch Parties

Formula 1 watch parties are drawing growing crowds across Hyderabad on Sunday race days, bringing together local motorsport fans to watch Grand Prix events, debate race strategies, and share friendly banter.

The city's expanding F1 community features a mix of veteran enthusiasts who grew up following motorsport and newer fans who have recently taken an interest in racing. Screenings organized throughout Hyderabad offer a venue for followers to gather and celebrate race weekends together.

Nishanth Vathsal, a Hyderabad-based IT professional and Red Bull supporter, regularly attends race screenings alongside his partner. He stated that his interest in Formula 1 began in the second standard when his uncle would tune into races on television every Sunday. Nishanth, whose favourite driver is Max Verstappen, also attended two live races in the United States, including the Austin Grand Prix in 2023 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, both of which were won by Verstappen.

Recent gatherings in the city have also included dedicated community events, such as an F1 carnival organised by Balaji and his team during a screening of the Belgian Grand Prix last month.

According to IT professional Nanda Kishor, Hyderabad has maintained a steady base of motorsport followers, but the release of the movie F1 last year triggered a noticeable surge of new interest. Kishor noted that established fans regularly interact with newcomers at city screenings to discuss racing tactics and help explain the sport to those who are just beginning to follow it.

For others in the city, passion for the sport began during their college years. Cyber security intern Leeladhar Reddy, who previously enjoyed speed and weekend rides with friends, started following Formula 1 in 2020 while pursuing his engineering degree. Over time, he became a committed Ferrari fan and expressed his dedication to the sport by getting an F1 car tattooed on his hand.