A quiet revolution has been unfolding on India’s sporting landscape. The high-octane world of Formula 1, once a niche interest, has shifted into the mainstream, propelled into the national consciousness by the gripping drama of Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’ and the legendary legacy captured in documentaries like ‘Senna’. This growing fascination has moved beyond mere viewership, evolving into a deeper cultural appreciation for the engineering, strategy, and human stories behind the world’s fastest sport.
This burgeoning passion has found a truly unique and spectacular expression during this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. Across Indian cities, pandals (temporary shrines) are renowned for their creative and often grandiose themes, from tributes to ISRO’s space missions to elaborate mythological tableaus. Yet, one creation in particular has sent motorsport fans into a collective state of awe: a meticulously crafted, scaled-down replica of Ayrton Senna’s iconic 1988 McLaren MP4/4, serving as a majestic mandap to house Lord Ganesha.
The mastermind behind this incredible fusion of high-speed legacy and divine celebration is Ankit Vichare. A talented designer from the MIT Institute of Design, Ankit now works behind the scenes at BookMyShow, crafting the massive stages for international artists like Coldplay and festivals like Lollapalooza India. Applying his professional expertise to his personal passion, he has pulled off an astonishing feat of artistry.
The attention to detail on the McLaren replica is precise, mirroring the sleek, low-slung profile and the classic red and white Marlboro livery of the original championship-winning car. Where roaring engines and whispered prayers meet, this McLaren shrine stands as a stunning testament to India’s new-found and deeply held love for Formula 1.
