Who is Kush Maini? Everything to Know About First Indian in F1 Since 2012

Kush Maini has been announced as the Test and Reserve Driver for the Alpine F1 Team for the 2025 season. With this, he becomes the third Indian to be associated with a Formula One team, following in the footsteps of Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.  

Kush Maini has become the third Indian driver to be involved in Formula 1 after securing a role as Alpine’s reserve driver. In addition to his reserve duties, he will continue serving as a test driver for the team, aiming for a potential full-time race seat in 2026.

 Expanding His Role with Alpine  

The Indian racer, who has been part of the Alpine Academy since October 2023, will take on additional responsibilities while continuing to compete in Formula 2 with DAMS. His F2 career has been impressive, with five podium finishes in the 2024 season, including a victory in Budapest.  

As part of his new role with Alpine, Maini will work closely with the team at their Enstone base. He will contribute to car development through the driver-in-loop simulator and participate in the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme to refine his skills.  

 Kush Maini’s Racing Journey  

At 24, Maini has built an impressive junior career. His journey includes:  

- British Formula 3: Multiple race wins and Vice-Champion in 2020  
- F3 Asian Championship & FIA Formula 3: A podium finish at Hungaroring  
- Formula Renault Eurocup & World Endurance Championship  

In 2024, he made history by helping Invicta Racing secure the F2 Constructors’ Championship, making him the first and only Indian to win an FIA Constructors’ World Championship at the junior level. He also became the first Indian to secure an F2 pole position.  

 Backing and Support System  

Maini’s journey has been supported by JK Racing, TVS Racing, The Grid Agency, and Meraki Sport & Entertainment, who continue to back his 2025 campaign.