Meet Kush Maini, India's new F1 racing sensation

Dubai: Kush Maini loves flirting with speed. His passion to live life on the fast lane scaled new heights when he was named Alpine’s Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The 24-year-old Indian driver joins an elite list of Indian racers, including Narian Karthikeyan who have made their mark in F1.

“Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini will expand his role with the team in 2025 by becoming Test and Reserve Driver. The Indian racer is set to take on the additional duties alongside competing in Formula 2 with DAMS,” the British team posted on their website.

The Bengaluru-born Maini started his single-seater career in 2016 and stepped up to the British F3 Championship two years later. He moved into the fast lane in 2022 when he switched to the FIA F3 Championship. Maini first joined the Alpine Academy in October 2023 before going on to race in the 2024 F2 season, during which he scored five podiums, including a race win in Budapest.

Embracing the challenge

“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team this season,” said Maini, whose brother Arjun Maini is also a racing driver. “Since joining the Alpine Academy ahead of last year, I have been incredibly welcomed into the entire Alpine family, and I am thankful to Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for their continued support.”

As part of his role, the 24-year-old will use the driver-in-loop simulator at the squad’s Enstone base to support their car development and set-up objectives. He will also participate in the TPC programme (Testing of Previous Cars) to further hone his skills.

“I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula 1 machinery in this role and to building on what I have already learnt with the team in 2024. I’m excited to begin the role as soon as possible, but for now, my focus is on my third season in Formula 2 kicking off this weekend in Australia.”

A growing Alpine line-up

Australian rookie Jack Doohan will race for Alpine this season alongside French veteran Pierre Gasly. Maini joins a pool of reserve drivers at Alpine that also includes Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and former Williams super-sub Franco Colapinto.

“Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results while we have been working with him, and we expect he will continue to do so in 2025,” said Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director.

Conclusion: The road ahead

Maini’s rise through the ranks has been steady, and this latest opportunity puts him firmly on the radar for a potential F1 seat in the future. With a crucial F2 season ahead and increased responsibilities at Alpine, the 24-year-old has the perfect stage to prove he belongs in motorsport’s top tier.