Actress Shalini has joined her husband, actor Ajith Kumar, in Venice, Italy, where he was honored with the prestigious title of ‘Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025.’ Shalini expressed her happiness and pride in standing by her husband’s side during this momentous occasion.
Taking to Instagram, Shalini shared photos from the event, captioning, “Honoured to stand beside my husband in Venice, as he is being awarded ‘Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025’ in honour of entrepreneur and racing driver, the late Philippe Charriol.”
Award Presentation by SRO Motorsports Group
The award was presented by the SRO Motorsports Group, a global leader in GT racing. Stéphane Ratel, the CEO of the group, is recognized as one of the key decision-makers in international motorsport.
Recognition of a Dream Realized
This recognition is particularly significant for Ajith Kumar, who fulfilled his dream of becoming a car racer this year. He announced the formation of Ajith Kumar Racing, which showcased Indian talent on the international stage by participating in at least four challenging racing championships and clinching several accolades. Ajith Kumar actively participated in races along with his team members, rather than merely overseeing the team.
Reflections on a Successful Season
In October, Ajith Kumar Racing shared a note marking the end of their racing season, expressing gratitude for the journey thus far. Ajith stated, “We could write countless stories from this incredible year, but that’s for another day. What matters most is that we grew stronger with every lap and every challenge. This is only the beginning.”
The note highlighted the extensive preparation that accompanied each race weekend, involving countless hours of hard work, setbacks, and unwavering determination.
Team Spirit and Challenges Faced
The team recalled that the mechanics and engineers dedicated sleepless nights to perfecting the machinery. The drivers faced new tracks and weather conditions, pushing their physical and mental boundaries. “There were moments of heartbreak, mechanical issues, and missed opportunities. Each setback became a stepping stone, contributing to our strength and understanding of international competition,” they reflected.
A Year of Milestones
Ajith Kumar Racing’s debut year was marked by several achievements. The team became the first Indian team to compete full-time across multiple European and Middle Eastern endurance series, and it also secured its first international podium.
The team expressed deep gratitude to supporters, partner teams, and fans, emphasizing that none of the accomplishments would have been possible without their faith and encouragement.
As the first season came to a close, Ajith Kumar Racing recognized itself as more than just a competing team; it saw itself as an evolving entity. Ajith concluded, “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.”