Racing Revival: Ex-F1 Team Owner Takes on Pre-War Classics
It would be challenging to locate two more different settings within the realm of motor racing. The congenial atmosphere of pre-war race series in the United Kingdom might have very little in common with the opulent yet fiercely competitive environment of Formula 1; however, it is precisely at these much simpler local meets where you can currently spot one of the more colorful team principals from recent seasons in F1.
Vijay Mallya spent 10 years at the helm of the Force India F1 squad (nee Jordan, now Aston Martin) and is relishing being away from the corporate surroundings of the pinnacle of the sport. “This is a different world to Formula 1,” he says having just raced a 1939 BMW 328 at
the Donington Historic Festival from last weekend
It feels way more laid-back and enjoyable to drive all sorts of different vehicles.
While he is widely recognized for his extensive portfolio of business ventures ranging from alcoholic beverages—such as supplying Kingfisher beer to the Motor Racing Legends hospitality at Donington—to aviation (including an ongoing tax controversy with Indian officials), Mallya has always harbored a deep love for automobiles. Over the last several years, he has pursued this interest fervently outside the realm of Formula One racing. In addition to the BMW, he has participated in races using the 1926 Sunbeam Tiger, which once broke the world land speed record, during recent seasons.
I’ve been amassing an array of vehicles for some time now,” he clarifies. “My journey into car collecting began in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s; thus, I possess several that I can race on the track as well as appreciate up close instead of merely admiring them stored away in my garage.
The charm of being in England lies in having numerous exceptional organizing clubs – such as Motor Racing Legends at Donington, followed by the Vintage Sports-Car Club later in the year. It’s incredibly enjoyable.
Mallya was evidently having a great time in Leicestershire. During the initial phases of the Mad Jack Pre-War event (honoring 1935 Donington Grand Prix victor Richard ‘Mad Jack’ Shuttleworth), he performed impressively, consistently remaining within the top ten. Later, he passed the baton to his driving mentor and seasoned historic racer, Chris Ward, who went on to secure the quickest lap of the competition en route to finishing fourth overall.
The previous owner of Force India regrets how Formula 1 has grown increasingly corporate.
Photo by: Sutton Images
Yes, I require additional practice both on and off the track,” Mallya admits. “However, I experienced a break of two decades during which I did not drive a genuine racing car, so I am gradually readjusting. Nonetheless, I am relishing each moment.
Previously, Mallya had successful experiences racing Ensign F1 cars in India during the 1980s. Ward acknowledges significant improvements in his student since he resumed competing. “Vijay appears to be improving continuously,” Ward shares. They participate in a few track days each month, progressing from using an MGB to currently utilizing a BMW for these sessions.
In the end, he’s having a great time and that’s precisely what motor racing is all about. When drivers enjoy themselves more, they tend to perform better since they feel more at ease and self-assured behind the wheel, which usually leads to improved lap times.
However, it wasn’t only Mallya who relished driving the BMW at Donington; Ward also had an excellent time behind the wheel. “In my opinion, this vehicle is quite advanced for its era and handles similarly to a contemporary car,” he says enthusiastically. “The response is very quick, plus since it doesn’t have too much horsepower, you can brake slightly before turning and it will navigate corners smoothly and exit them neatly.”
I recall the times when we had Sir Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, and Eddie Jordan around, and the overall ambiance was filled with team owners and principals enjoying themselves immensely outside of the race tracks while engaging in intense competition during races — it felt quite similar to the vibe in club racing.
Vijay Mallya
“The tires are narrow and thin, making the vehicle somewhat unstable. When navigating through the Craners, one of the inside wheels tends to lift off the ground, giving a sense of uncertainty. However, as you gain confidence, you adapt to it. I managed to secure the quickest lap time, which made me extremely pleased.”
The partnership between Ward and Mallya is clearly working well and there is more potential to come across a range of hillclimb and race events Mallya has in his diary for this year. And, while Mallya retains an interest in F1, he is happy to now be free of the championship’s shackles.
F1 has transformed significantly; it’s turned into such a corporate and highly competitive environment,” he remarks. “In the past, we had figures like Sir Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, and Eddie Jordan, and the overall ambiance was one where team owners/principals enjoyed themselves immensely outside of races yet battled intensely during them—there was also this kind of spirit in club racing, naturally including Bernie! However, nowadays, everything feels very ruthless, chilly, devoid of any feeling or warmth.
Certainly, such a description would not apply to the Donington paddock – particularly once Mallya’s Kingfisher beer started circulating in the evening.
Mallya appreciates the laid-back ambiance at prestigious historical occasions.
Photo by: JEP