The world didn't blink.
It hadn't been twenty-four hours since the explosion that shook the Tokyo GP and already every major news network, sports channel, and even prime-time bulletins were lit up with the image of Sukhman Singh's mangled Vaayu GP car. It had happened in broad daylight, lap 15, while he was gaining time on the top three. One moment he was flying down the main straight, the next — boom. A violent burst of fire, smoke, metal shards. The crowd gasped. The broadcast cut to static for a second.
Now, the same image played on a loop. The orange and blue Vaayu GP machine bursting apart, veering uncontrollably before smashing into the side barriers. Flames erupting. Marshals running. Silence so loud it echoed across time zones.
"We begin tonight's bulletin with breaking updates from Tokyo," a stern voice from BBC World opened the evening news. "Indian rookie driver Sukhman Singh remains unconscious after suffering a catastrophic crash during Saturday's Tokyo GP. The cause is still under investigation."
Hospitals swarmed with media vans. Security was tightened around the ICU at Seiroku General Hospital. Fans gathered outside, holding candles and flags. The hashtag #FightSukhman trended across Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
For three days, the motorsport world held its breath.
---
On the third day, the IRC held a press conference. It was no ordinary meeting. An emergency session of the International Racing Council had been called. The headquarters in Geneva was buzzing with anxious officials, team representatives, and global reporters. In the center stood the Chairman, Castalino Piere.
Tall, with swept-back silver hair and the poise of a statesman, Castalino stood behind the podium as the camera lights flickered like lightning.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began, his voice firm, yet burdened, "it is with a heavy heart that I address you today. The events at the Tokyo GP shook the very foundation of this sport. Sukhman Singh, a remarkable talent and a beacon of rising hope for millions, lies unconscious after what we now understand to be a critical engine malfunction."
He paused. The silence was thick.
"Our hearts are with Sukhman, his family, his team, and every supporter watching. We have launched a full investigation to determine the root cause of the incident. The IRC has formed a joint committee, including engineers from all participating manufacturers, to ensure full transparency."
"Effective immediately," he continued, "all Vaayu GP and other teams vehicles will be grounded from active races until we are confident in their safety."
Reporters scribbled, cameras zoomed. Questions flew up. Castalino raised a hand.
"I understand the urgency. But I also understand the weight of responsibility. No championship, no trophy, is worth a human life. The sport will wait. Until we know Sukhman is safe, nothing else matters. So the championship will be stop for now."
He stepped away from the podium, refusing questions. His message was loud enough.
---
Inside Seiroku General Hospital
The hospital room was quiet but sterile. Machines beeped steadily beside Sukhman's still body. His face was bruised, wrapped in gauze. His right arm was suspended in a sling; his chest rose and fell in shallow rhythm.
Manpreet sat beside him, holding his hand gently. Her eyes were red from crying, but she refused to leave.
Baljeet Kaur, their mother, stood by the window. Her fingers trembled as they worked prayer beads in slow circles.
They hadn't heard from Harjeet Singh — Sukhman's father — since the accident. He hadn't called. Hadn't texted. Not even Manpreet knew where he was.
---
Back in the paddocks
Vaayu GP's garage was dark. The engineers were silent, somber. Siddharth had not spoken since the crash. He hadn't slept either.
The replays haunted him.
The team had triple-checked the setup before the race. No signs of irregularity. No red flags. But something had gone horribly wrong. The explosion wasn't ordinary. Engines fail, yes. But not like that.
And now the world was asking questions.
Some were whispering sabotage.
---
News coverage across nations
"...the first Vaayu GP investigation suggests a possible fuel line rupture, but insiders hint at deeper issues..."
"...Callum Graves expresses deep sorrow. 'Rivalries are left on the track. Off it, we're a family,' he says."
"...mass prayers held in Ludhiana and Amritsar for Sukhman Singh. Fans hold candlelight vigils outside his childhood home."
"...Charlotte Reid tweets: 'We raced. We fought. But today, I wait beside you like the rest of the world. Come back, Sukhman.'"
---
IRC Internal Investigation Meeting — Closed Doors
"What are we looking at here?" Castalino Piere asked his technical advisor.
"There was a flashback ignition sequence. It means heat was building at a rate faster than usual combustion. It could be a misfire, or a deliberate software override."
"Are you saying someone hacked the... car?"
The room went still.
"We don't have proof. But we aren't ruling it out."
---
Social Media Reactions
@motorsportzone: "Explosive footage of Sukhman Singh's crash at Tokyo GP. Warning: Graphic content."
@RaceForLife: "#FightSukhman is now the #1 trend in over 17 countries."
@AyandaNkosi_77: "I don't care about points right now. I care about a youngster. Stay strong, Sukhman."
@VaayuGPOfficial: "Our engineers are working with IRC. We will uncover the truth. For Sukhman."
---
Elsewhere...
In a dark room in an undisclosed location, a man in a suit turned off the television.
"Stage One successful. This will cause enough ripple in the surface."
Another man beside him asked, "Yeah absolutely. A..... and what of the leak?"
"It's already in place. We just need the final files. Yudhvir will break. Everyone breaks eventually."
The first man smiled, lighting a cigarette. "India's rising star. Let's see how bright he shines when the lights go out."