Kush Maini: From F1 to F2 takes on Dual Role with Alpine

Kush Maini: India's Next F1 Hope 

The world of Formula 1 is notoriously difficult to break into, but 24-year-old Indian driver Kush Maini is inching closer to his dream. The Bengaluru native has been promoted to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for the Alpine F1 team in 2025, a significant step up in his burgeoning motorsport career. But here's the twist: he's not giving up his Formula 2 seat. Maini will be pulling double duty, juggling the demands of both series in a high-stakes gamble to prove his worth.

Join the Whatsapp Channel to Get News updates in english

A Family Affair:

Kush Maini isn't a newcomer to the racing scene. He comes from a family with deep roots in motorsport (his brother, Arjun Maini, has also competed in GP3 and F2), and he's been karting since he was a kid. He has also raced for Mahindra Racing in Formula E. He's also got some serious mentorship: two-time F1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen is guiding his career. Maini's resume includes stints in British F3, Formula 4, Formula Renault Eurocup, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and Formula 3 – a testament to his versatility and experience.

Alpine Academy and the F2 Path

Maini's breakthrough came in October 2024 when he joined the Alpine Academy, the F1 team's driver development program. This opened the door to Formula 2, the final stepping stone to F1. He initially raced for Invicta Racing, but for the upcoming 2025 season, he'll be competing with DAMS Lucas Oil. His 2024 F2 season included five podium finishes and a race victory in Budapest, showcasing his potential.

The Dual Role: F1 Reserve and F2 Contender

The 2025 season will be a demanding one for Maini. As Alpine's Test and Reserve Driver, he'll play a crucial role in the team's development process. This includes:

• Testing the Car: Getting valuable track time in the F1 car.

• Simulator Work: Contributing to the team's driver-in-loop simulator at their Enstone headquarters.

• TPC Programme: Participating in the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme.

• Attending F1 races:

Simultaneously, Maini will be pushing for success in Formula 2 with DAMS Lucas Oil. This dual commitment means he'll be attending a majority of the F1 races while also competing in the highly competitive F2 championship. It's a balancing act that will test his skills, stamina, and mental fortitude. He is all set to take up dual responsibility.

The Road Ahead:

He is just 24-year old and will be third Indian to join Formula One. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Kush Maini. Can he handle the pressure of being an F1 reserve driver while simultaneously fighting for an F2 title? It's a unique and challenging path, but if he succeeds, it could fast-track his journey to a full-time F1 seat. He's already proven he has the talent; now, he needs to prove he has the consistency and adaptability to thrive at the highest level of motorsport.