Kush Maini scripts history for India in F1; becomes reserve driver at Alpine

The BWT Alpine F1 Team has named Kush Maini as its test and reserve driver, giving Indian motorsport fans even more cause to celebrate. This accomplishment makes the 24-year-old Bengaluru native just the third Indian driver, after Karun Chandhok and Narain Karthikeyan, to be formally affiliated with a Formula 1 team.

After a 13-year break, Maini's selection signifies the return of an Indian star to an F1 squad. After completing four tests with the Alpine F1 Team last season, Maini may be a contender for a full-time ride in 2026 if he continues to perform well this season.

After hearing this news, Kush Maini couldn’t hold back his feelings and said, “I am delighted to step up to the role of test and reserve driver for BWT Alpine  Formula 1 Team this season. I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula 1 machinery and building on what I have already learned with the team in 2024.”

Kush Maini. 2025 Test and Reserve Driver 👌

We’re delighted to announce, our Alpine Academy driver extends his role to join our pool of Test and Reserve Drivers for the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/SA4GVQVc4B

— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 11, 2025

Kush Maini will be essential to Alpine's car development program as a test and reserve driver.  He will assist with enhancing the performance of the Formula One car in the state-of-the-art simulator at Alpine's Enstone facility in the United Kingdom. Through TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) sessions, he will also obtain invaluable on-track experience that will aid in his adjustment to Formula 1 equipment.

Kush Miani had an outstanding Formula 2 season

Last year's Formula 2 season was outstanding for the young Indian driver, who finished on five podiums and played a key part in Invicta Racing's Teams' Championship win for the 2024 F2 season, including a memorable triumph in Hungary. A major milestone in Maini's career was reached in October 2023 when he joined the Alpine Academy.

During the 2024 Formula 2 season, he won a race at Budapest and finished on five podiums. Alpine decided to promote him to the position of test and reserve driver in light of his impressive accomplishments, and he will continue to compete in Formula 2 with DAMS Lucas Oil. Additionally, he became the first Indian driver to secure a pole position in Formula 2 in Jeddah, making history.