Indian driver Kush Maini became the first Indian driver in Formula One since 2012 when he joined the Alpine F1 team as their reserve driver for this year's season. He will be racing for the Formula 2 championship for Dams Lucas Oil. Mani's reservation marks the end of a 13-year hiatus for a desi talent to be part of an F1 team.
Maini successfully completed four tests with the Alpine F1 Team last season, and strong performances this season could make him a potential contender for a full-time seat in 2026. In Formula 2 season 2024, Mani secured five podium positions, including a win in Hungary.
Maini played an important role in Invicta Racing’s Teams’ Championship victory for the 2024 F2 season. He also made history in Jeddah by becoming the first Indian driver to claim a pole position in Formula 2.
BWT Alpine Formula One Team announced, in a post on X, "Kush Maini. 2025 Test and Reserve Driver. We’re delighted to announce that our Alpine Academy driver extends his role to join our pool of Test and Reserve Drivers for the 2025 season."