How AKCEL GP is gearing up for racing success

Motorsport is all about speed, precision, and pushing the limits — and that’s exactly what newly launched AKCEL GP is aiming to deliver.

With its sights set on prestigious series such as Euro Cup 3, the Formula Regional Middle East Championship (FRMEC), and Formula 4 (F4), AKCEL GP is looking to dominate the track, nurture the next generation of racing talent, and break boundaries in a sport where every millisecond counts.

AKCEL GP is the latest venture from the AKCEL Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning technology, real estate, IT, and green energy. Founded by UK-based businessman Amit Kaushal, the group’s ethos of sustainability and innovation forms the backbone of this motorsport endeavour. In fact, AKCEL GP represents the group’s strategic expansion into motorsport, building on its acquisition of the UK-based Indian Warriors Racing team.

Launched in style at the Armani Hotel in Dubai on January 12, 2025, AKCEL GP “represents more than a racing team”, says Kaushal.

“It is a showcase of cutting-edge technology, visionary talent, and a commitment to sustainability,” he notes.

From Dubai to the world

Dubai was a natural choice for the team’s launch. With its global appeal and thriving motorsport culture, the city provided the perfect platform for a team that envisions a far-reaching impact.

And Kaushal, who began his professional journey in Dubai over three decades ago, says the city holds special significance.

“The UAE is the best place right now — it’s a global platform. Everyone in the world is looking at Dubai as the future destination, not just for motorsport but for so many industries.”

As part of its strategy, AKCEL GP will race across circuits in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, exposing its drivers to diverse challenges while simultaneously engaging fans and sponsors on a global scale.

The team’s debut race took place at Abu Dhabi’s world-renowned Yas Marina circuit in January.

Championing the cause for AKCEL GP is a diverse set of drivers, which includes young talents from India, the UAE, and Italy. One of its standout drivers is Emirati Hamda Al Qubaisi, who has already made history in motorsport, becoming the first woman to podium in the Italian F4 Championship. In the same team, Hamda is joined by her sister Amna, who is the first Emirati woman to compete in international motorsport.

“Championing inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword for us — it’s the core of our identity,” Kaushal explains.

Precision and performance

Behind the wheel may be the drivers, but behind the scenes, it’s Rohit Koul, team principal of AKCEL GP, who ensures every detail is meticulously executed.

With over 11 years of motorsport experience, Koul has taken on the mammoth task of managing drivers, technical partners, and infrastructure.

“I’m sleeping only three or four hours a day,” Koul admits. “I need to make sure everything is done properly — cars set up perfectly, drivers happy, and everything moving in the right direction. It’s a sport where even a single second matters.”

Koul’s journey in motorsport began with karting in Canada, where he honed his driving skills and developed a deep understanding of racing dynamics. He later transitioned to Formula racing, achieving multiple victories in Dubai, which solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. His passion for the sport led him to establish the Indian Warriors Racing team, based in Milton Keynes, UK. Under his leadership, the team participated in the 2024 GB4 Championship, providing a platform for emerging talent.

In 2024, a chance meeting with Kaushal led to the acquisition and rebranding of Indian Warriors Racing into AKCEL GP. The duo quickly aligned on their shared vision for the team.

“We want to create a new ladder to Formula One,” Koul explains. “Our goal is to move into F3 and F2 within a year or two and ensure we produce great drivers who can make it to F1.”

PHM Racing: Vital technical partner

At the heart of AKCEL GP’s operations is its partnership with PHM Racing, a highly experienced technical team renowned for its expertise in developing competitive motorsport setups. This collaboration provides AKCEL GP with the technical resources, engineering prowess, and operational efficiency needed to excel in some of the world’s most challenging racing series.

“We’ve partnered with PHM Racing as our technical partner, and I’m very, very confident in what they’re going to deliver,” Kaushal says.

The partnership extends beyond just engineering and race preparation; it represents a shared vision for nurturing young talent and achieving long-term success. “We are very fortunate to have PHM with us,” adds Kaushal. “Their experience in this class is unmatched, and I’m hopeful that we’ll have a long-term relationship with them.”

Jaden Rahman Pariat, one of the team’s drivers, also praised PHM for their hands-on approach: “They’ve been so patient, guiding us through everything and working on things. They really know what they’re doing, and it shows in the way they’re supporting us.”

BOXOUT: Key facts about PHM Racing

PHM Racing, established in 2021 by Paul Müller, is a German auto racing team based in Berlin. The team emerged from the dissolution of Mücke Motorsport’s single-seater program, with a core group of former Mücke personnel. Operating as a non-profit organization, PHM Racing focuses on developing young driving talent and providing opportunities in motorsport.

The team made its competitive debut in the 2022 Formula 4 UAE Championship, fielding drivers Nikita Bedrin, Jonas Ried, and Taylor Barnard. Their inaugural season was marked by notable successes, including their first race win with Barnard and additional victories by Bedrin. Building on this momentum, PHM Racing expanded into the Italian and German F4 series later that year.

In 2023, PHM Racing further broadened its horizons by entering the Formula Regional Middle East Championship. The team also ventured into the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 Championships through a partial takeover of Charouz Racing System, competing under the banner “PHM Racing by Charouz.” This strategic move underscored their rapid growth and ambition within the motorsport hierarchy.

A significant development occurred in 2024 when the Dubai-based AIX Investment Group acquired PHM Racing’s F2 and F3 operations, leading to the rebranding of these teams as AIX Racing. Despite this transition, PHM Racing continues to compete in the Formula Regional and Formula 4 categories.

With AKCEL GP, they are a key technical partner.

AKCEL GP Academy, focus on sustainability

AKCEL GP’s approach extends beyond the track as it’s looking to upskill the next generation of drivers and weave in a sustainable approach to everything it does.

AKCEL GP Academy is a premier institution dedicated to developing the next generation of drivers. The academy provides young racers with world-class training, cutting-edge resources, and expert mentorship to refine their craft.

“Our academy is where dreams take shape,” says Kaushal. “We’re not just building drivers; we’re building champions who understand the technical and mental demands of motorsport.”

Notable talents from the academy include Tadeas Prochazka, an eight-year-old Middle East Bambino Champion, and Jamie White, a 12-year-old ROK Mini Champion. These young racers represent the future of the sport and exemplify AKCEL GP’s commitment to nurturing talent at every level.

The AKCEL GP team is also pioneering sustainable racing practices, integrating lightweight materials and energy-efficient technologies into its cars.

“Motorsport must evolve,” Kaushal states. “We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint while maintaining peak performance.”

This ethos resonates with sponsors and fans alike. The motorsport industry generates over $10bn annually, and AKCEL GP offers tailored sponsorship packages with branding, VIP access, and meet-and-greet opportunities with drivers.

Looking to the future

As AKCEL GP embarks on its inaugural season, the focus is on building a strong foundation.

“At the moment, we just want to position ourselves and make some noise,” Kaushal says. “We want to tell people, ‘Hey, we’re here to stay.’”

Could AKCEL GP become a Formula One team one day? Both Kaushal and Kaul remain optimistic yet grounded. “You never know, but we’re working hard to make sure whatever we do, we do it the right way,” says Kaul.

“Motorsport is every man’s dream. Whether you’re watching as a fan, standing in the pit lane, or, like now, being the owner of a team, it’s an exciting journey.”