Kush Maini has made history as the first Indian driver in Formula 1 since 2012. The 24-year-old has been named Test and Reserve Driver for the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team in 2025. His appointment ends a 13-year wait for an Indian driver to be linked with a Formula One team.
Maini is presently driving in the Formula 2 Championship with Dams Lucas Oil and is the only Alpine F1 reserve driver still active in the class. His new post will entail considerable simulator work at Alpine’s Enstone facility, assisting with vehicle development and performance analysis. In addition, he will participate in the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, which will provide him further exposure to F1 machinery.
Maini joined the Alpine Academy in October 2023 and has since achieved five podium results, including a win in Budapest. Now in his third Formula 2 season, he thanked Alpine for their trust.
Alpine Academy Director Julian Rouse applauded Maini’s efforts, noting that his Formula 2 and testing results had earned him this opportunity. With the 2025 Formula 1 season coming, Maini hopes to obtain more track experience while managing his duties in Formula 2.
