Ajith Kumar Receives Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025 Award

Indian actor Ajith Kumar has been awarded the prestigious title of Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025 during a ceremony held in Venice, Italy. The accolade, presented by the Philippe Charriol Motorsport Group, recognises Ajith's remarkable transition from a celebrated film star to a professional motorsport competitor.

Ajith Kumar, known for his significant contributions to Tamil cinema, has garnered admiration for his dedication to racing, a passion he has pursued with increasing commitment in recent years. The formal presentation of the award took place in the scenic city of Venice, where Ajith was accompanied by his wife, actress Shalini, who shared the joyous occasion on her social media platforms. "Honoured to stand beside my husband in Venice as he receives the 'Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025' award in memory of the late Philippe Charriol," she wrote, highlighting the significance of the award.

During his acceptance speech, Ajith expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition, stating, "This honour means a lot to me. Everything I have heard about Philippe Charriol has been good. He is a great man who is very kind and an inspiration to everyone. My journey in the motorsport world has been both challenging and enjoyable." Ajith’s remarks reflect his respect for Charriol, an entrepreneur and racing driver, whose legacy continues to inspire many.

Ajith's recent accomplishments in motorsport come as he has made significant strides in the racing community. In 2024, he established the Ajith Kumar Racing Team, which has competed in various international endurance racing events. The team has already achieved notable results, including two third-place finishes and a second-place win in prestigious 24-hour and 12-hour race formats, bringing pride to both Tamil Nadu and India.

Industry insiders attribute Ajith's success in racing to his decision to focus solely on motorsport after completing his film commitments. By December 2024, he had finalised his roles in projects such as Vidaamuyarchi and Good Bad Ugly, ensuring he could dedicate himself fully to his racing ambitions.

The announcement of this award has ignited celebrations among fans and the motorsport community, marking a new chapter in Ajith's career that blends his love for cinema and passion for racing. As he prepares for his upcoming film AK64, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, Ajith's fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the big screen.

The recognition as Gentleman Driver of the Year 2025 not only underscores Ajith Kumar’s achievements in racing but also highlights the growing popularity of motorsport in India. As Ajith continues to pursue excellence in this field, his journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring racers in the country.