Indian racing talent Kush Maini has secured a prestigious role as the Test and Reserve Driver for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team for the 2025 season. This marks a significant milestone in his career, making him the first Indian driver in over a decade to be officially associated with an F1 team. His appointment reflects his rapid rise in the world of motorsport and underlines India’s growing presence in global racing.
With this opportunity, Maini will be responsible for critical behind-the-scenes contributions, helping Alpine develop their F1 car while continuing his racing career in Formula 2. His addition to the team is part of Alpine’s strategy to develop young talent for the future of Formula One.
A Promising Career Path: From Karting to Formula 2
Maini’s journey in motorsport began at a young age when he first started karting at just seven years old. His natural talent and determination quickly set him apart, leading him to compete in various international championships.
Early Racing Career
- Karting: Showed early promise by winning multiple national and international karting events.
- Italian F4 Championship: Made his single-seater debut, competing against some of the best young drivers in Europe.
- Formula Renault Eurocup: Continued his development in this highly competitive junior category.
- FIA Formula 3 Championship (2022): Earned recognition with multiple strong performances.
Formula 2 Breakthrough
Maini made his Formula 2 debut in 2023, competing for Campos Racing. Despite being in his rookie season, he impressed with consistent performances and demonstrated his ability to battle at the front.
In 2024, he joined Invicta Racing, where he had a breakthrough season:
- Secured his first Formula 2 race win in Budapest.
- Achieved five podium finishes, proving his racecraft and consistency.
- Showed exceptional skill in both qualifying and race strategy.
His strong results and impressive racing ability caught the attention of Alpine, leading to his selection for the Alpine Academy in October 2023—a major step towards his F1 dream.
Integration into the Alpine Family
With his new Test and Reserve Driver role, Maini will be deeply involved in Alpine’s Formula One operations. His responsibilities will include:
- Simulator Work: Assisting the team with race strategy and car setup through extensive simulator sessions at Enstone.
- Testing Programmes: Participating in Alpine’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) Programme, which will give him the chance to drive F1 machinery and gain real-world experience.
- Trackside Support: Attending selected F1 race weekends to assist in car development and provide valuable feedback to engineers.
- Driver Development: Working alongside Alpine’s senior drivers and technical staff to enhance his understanding of F1 racing at the highest level.
Alpine has a history of nurturing young talent, and Maini’s appointment shows the team’s confidence in his potential. His involvement will be crucial as Alpine continues to refine their performance in the ever-competitive Formula One grid.
A Historic Moment for Indian Motorsport
Maini’s elevation to a Formula One team’s driver roster is a landmark moment for Indian motorsport. The last Indian driver to be officially associated with an F1 team was Narain Karthikeyan (who raced in F1 from 2005 to 2012) and Karun Chandhok (who competed in 2010 and 2011).
With Maini stepping into the F1 world, this marks a new era for Indian racing talent on the global stage. His journey serves as an inspiration for young Indian drivers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
India has a growing motorsport fanbase, and Maini’s association with Alpine F1 could lead to greater interest and investment in the sport within the country.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Year for Maini
While taking on his Formula One duties, Maini will also continue competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with DAMS in 2025. Balancing both roles will be challenging but invaluable, as he gains experience in top-tier single-seater racing while preparing for a potential future F1 race seat.
His dual commitment to Formula 2 and Alpine F1 will help him refine his skills in:
- High-pressure race environments
- Technical car development and setup
- Team coordination and race strategy execution
Expressing his excitement about this new chapter, Maini stated:
“Joining the BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver is a dream come true. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and growing as a driver in this incredible journey.”
With a bright future ahead, Maini is on the right trajectory towards becoming India’s next Formula One race driver.