Indian racing driver Kush Maini has been appointed as a Test and Reserve driver of the Alpine Formula 1 team for the 2025 season. Maini, 24, joined the Alpine Academy in October 2023 and made his mark in the 2024 Formula 2 season, securing five podium finishes, including a victory at the Hungaroring in Budapest.

As he prepares for his third season in the F2 championship, the young driver will now balance additional responsibilities with Alpine’s F1 operation, supporting the team’s development efforts. Take a look at seven little-known facts about Maini.

Seven Facts About India's Latest F1 Star Kush Maini That You Probably Did Not Know

Only Third Indian To Join F1 Team

Kush Maini’s entry into Formula One as a test and reserve driver for BWT Alpine marks a significant moment for Indian motorsport. He becomes only the third Indian driver associated with an F1 team, following Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, who last raced in the series over a decade ago.

An Impressive Season in 2024 Formula 2

Maini’s ascent to F1 was fueled by an impressive 2024 Formula 2 season with Invictus Racing. He secured five podium finishes, including a standout second-place finish in Jeddah, where he also earned pole position points. Finishing seventh overall in the championship with 103 points, his consistent performance showcased his readiness for the next step, catching the eye of Alpine’s leadership, including team principal Oliver Oakes.

Maini To Continue F2 Racing With His New Team DAMS Lucas Oil

Besides being the reserve driver for Alpine, Kush will continue his F2 racing career, with DAMS Lucas Oil this time. It will be his third season in F2, and expectations are higher after what he achieved with Invictus Racing last season.

Motorsport Runs In His Blood

Motorsport runs deep in the Maini family. Kush Maini is part of a racing lineage, with his father, Gautam Maini, founding Maini Precision Products, a company involved in motorsport engineering. His uncle, Chetan Maini, was a trailblazer in electric vehicles in India through Mahindra Reva. Additionally, Kush's older brother, Arjun Maini, has competed in Formula 2 and worked as a development driver for Haas F1, motivating Kush to pursue his own aspirations in Formula 1.

A Journey Through the Racing Ranks

Maini’s path to F1 has been a steady climb through various racing series. He spent the formative years of his childhood in the UK to practice karting. Starting with karting at age nine, he progressed to Italian F4, British F3—where he earned a runner-up finish in 2020—and Formula 3 Asia.

Early Promises Of Kush

In 2013, Kush made history as the first Indian to secure a victory in the 60 Mini class. He went on to finish second overall in the WSK Euro Series and third in the WSK Masters Series. In 2014, Kush claimed fourth place in the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship. The following year, he became the vice-champion of the WSK Gold Cup and was the first Asian to win the Trofeo Andrea Margutti.

Mentored by Hakkinen aka 'The Flying Finn'

Kush has been mentored by none other but the legendary Finnish driver, Mika Hakkinen, whom fans of yesteryear might remember for winning back-to-back World Championships in 1998 and 1999 for McLaren. Also known as 'The Flying Finn' he finished his career with 20 Grand Prix titles. “As his mentor, I’ve seen his dedication and talent firsthand, and this recognition was long due," said Hakkinen.

A Personality Beyond the Track

Off the circuit, Maini is a perfect blend of intensity and relatability. When he is on tour, he misses the homemade food the most, but he is also a big fan of Japanese food.