Karun Chandhok: ‘I regularly cook dinner for 15 people’

The former F1 driver is enjoying his stint as a commentator, which allows him to stay close to the sport he loves.

NOIDA, INDIA - OCTOBER 26: Team Lotus reserve driver Karun Chandhok of India cycles the track as preparations continue during previews to the Indian Formula One Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit on October 26, 2011 in Noida, India. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Someone you would go to when you are in doubt...

My mum for things in my personal life, my dad for my professional life and my wife for both!

How do you unwind?

I enjoy cycling, swimming, watching television shows or reading and just spending time travelling with my family and friends.... Oh, and there’s karaoke!

Favourite track...

Hmm... Monaco, Le Mans, Suzuka

Favourite car..

Ferrari 250 GTO or an Aston Martin DB5

Favourite Formula One destinations:

Melbourne, Montreal and Monaco

One thing that people don't know about you...

Before I started racing, I used to be really overweight. I had hit nearly a 100 kilos but then racing gave me the motivation to get fit and I lost 26 kilos in a single year when I was 16 years old.

Sporting Idol

Alain Prost, Mario Andretti, Roger Federer, Chris Froome

Favourite movie

Top Gun (super cheesy 80's fun)

Favourite song

It’s My Life by Bon Jovi

Favourite karaoke song

Piano Man by Billy Joel

Favourite destination

Kodaikanal or Tuscanny

Biggest off-field accomplishment

Establishing myself as a globally recognised commentator and analyst despite coming from a country without a big motorsport history.

Favourite Book

‘Chasing the Title’ by Nigel Roebuck and ‘Freedom At Midnight’ by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre.

Secret Talent

I'm a good cook! When I first moved to Europe to race I couldn't even make tea, now I regularly cook dinner for 15 or more people.

Secret Crush

Julia Roberts!