Formula 1: Kush Maini Becomes Alpine's Test and Reserve Driver
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Synopsis
Kush Maini has made history as the first Indian driver in Formula 1 since 2012, joining the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team as a test and reserve driver for the upcoming 2025 season. His role signifies a new chapter for Indian representation in the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Kush Maini is the first Indian driver in F1 since 2012.
- He joins BWT Alpine as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season.
- Maini will also compete in the Formula 2 Championship.
- He previously joined the Alpine Academy in October 2023.
- Maini achieved five podiums in the 2024 F2 season.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) Kush Maini has made history as the first Indian driver in Formula 1 since 2012, as he joins the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team in the role of test and reserve driver for the 2025 season.
This appointment positions him as the sole Alpine F1 reserve driver currently competing in the Formula 2 Championship, where he will race for Dams Lucas Oil. Maini's announcement signifies the end of a 13-year gap for Indian talent in an F1 team. At 24, he will utilize the driver-in-loop simulator at the team's Enstone headquarters to aid in car development and setup goals while also participating in the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program to further hone his skills.
Maini is now part of a reserve driver lineup at Alpine that includes Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and former Williams super-sub Franco Colapinto.
Initially joining the Alpine Academy in October 2023, he entered the 2024 F2 season, achieving five podium finishes, including a race victory in Budapest.
As he embarks on his third Formula 2 campaign, Maini will simultaneously serve as the Test and Reserve Driver for the Alpine F1 team.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Test and Reserve Driver for the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team this season,” Maini expressed in a statement from the franchise. “Since becoming a part of the Alpine Academy last year, I have felt incredibly welcomed by the entire Alpine family, and I am grateful to Flavio Briatore and Oliver Oakes for their ongoing support.
“I look forward to gaining more track time with Formula 1 machinery in this position and building on what I learned in 2024. I’m eager to start this role, but for now, my focus is on my third season in Formula 2, which kicks off this weekend in Australia,” he added.
In his capacity, the 24-year-old will leverage the driver-in-loop simulator at the team’s Enstone base for car development and setup objectives, alongside participating in the TPC program to enhance his skills.
He is now among a group of reserve drivers at Alpine that includes Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and Franco Colapinto.
“We are delighted to announce the expansion of Kush’s role in the Alpine Academy to include Test and Reserve Driver responsibilities for this season,” said Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director. “Kush has impressed us with his TPC performances and Formula 2 results during our collaboration, and we anticipate he will continue to excel in 2025.”
