New Delhi, May 28: Rising motorsport star Karun Chandhok, currently enjoying a purple patch in the British F3 circuit, is giving himself time upto next year to make it to the prestigious Formula 1 championship.
"We are adopting the right strategy this time and my ideal time frame to make it to F1 is same time next year," Chandhok told reporters here today.
The 19-year-old admitted it had come to such a stage in F1 where it had become a lot harder for drivers to get a berth but said he was ready for the hardships ahead.
"F1 is now more than ever governed by sponsors and the amount of money you can flaunt. It is like who you know is more important than what you know.
"But I also know that if I do well this year -- a very crucial period for me -- I will definitely have a better chance of making the grade. Also I have the age on my side," said a hopeful Chandhok.



The former national and Formula Asia champion is currently "adding another year of experience" by continuing to play in the scholarship class, a decision that was not easy for him to make initially but has now begun to show positive results.



"I have had a brilliant weekend at Silverstone. I have won four races and should have won the fifth too. But anyway my performances have set me up nicely for the rest of the season with 14 more races to go," said the teenager.



Chandhok is placed second in the championship points race behind teammate Steven Kane and his next race is scheduled for June 22.


Bureau Report