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Hans India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
Huge moment for Indian motorsport: Amit Malviya after Kush Maini's Formula 2 race win
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya on Sunday said that with Kush Maini's win in the Formula 2 race at the Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco, history has been scripted, and it's a huge moment for Indian motorsport. He said that the victory of Kush, who has become the first Indian to achieve the laurel, shows that India is no longer just watching motorsport but competing at the highest levels. Malviya exuded hope that soon the F1 race would see participation by an Indian driver. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Malviya said that: "INDIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM IN MONACO. History has been made! Kush Maini has become the first-ever Indian to win a Formula 2 race at the legendary Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco! This isn't just a personal milestone—it is a huge moment for Indian motorsport." The BJP leader also shared information about Formula 2 (F2), saying it is the final step before Formula 1 (F1) -- the pinnacle of global motorsport. "But wait, what is Formula 2? Formula 2 (F2) is the final step before Formula 1 (F1) -- the pinnacle of global motorsport. It is where the world's best young drivers prove their talent before entering F1. Every F1 driver you know -- from Hamilton to Leclerc -- once raced in F2. So when an Indian wins in F2, especially at a track as iconic as Monaco, it is not just a race win—it is a statement," his post read. "Kush's victory shows that India is no longer just watching motorsport—we are now competing at the highest levels. Here is to many more podiums and an Indian driver in F1 soon. Jai Hind!" he posted. Notably, Kush Maini secured victory in the Monte Carlo Sprint Race for DAMS Lucas Oil, converting pole position at the Circuit de Monaco. The Indian driver held off fellow Alpine Academy talent Gabriele Minì, who finished second for PREMA Racing, and became the first Indian driver to win a race at the iconic venue. Soon after Maini's win, the Indian National Anthem was played at Monaco. After winning the race, Mani said: "P1, first Indian to win in Monaco too. It's a great honour and a dream come true. I want to say thank you to DAMS and everyone who has supported me. We keep believing!"
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Indian national anthem echoes at Monte Carlo as Kush Maini makes history with F2 Sprint win at Monaco GP
Kush Maini (Video grab) Indian motorsport witnessed a proud moment on Saturday as Kush Maini etched his name in history, becoming the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at Monaco. Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, Maini delivered a flawless, lights-to-flag performance to clinch the Sprint Race victory on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo. The win marked Maini's maiden F2 triumph and his first podium finish of the season — one that couldn't have come at a more prestigious venue. Starting from pole courtesy of the reverse grid rule (having qualified 10th for the feature race), the BWT Alpine F1 reserve driver made a solid getaway and held his nerve across 30 high-pressure laps. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! An emotional Maini stood atop the podium, singing the Indian national anthem as it played across Monaco's legendary street circuit. 'P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and dream come true really. We keep believing,' said Maini, thanking DAMS and his long-time supporters after the win. WATCH: In the pit lane, Indian business magnate Gautam Singhania was seen celebrating with the 24-year-old, underlining the continued support from JK Racing and TVS Racing — the two entities that have backed Maini since his junior racing days. Shubman Gill story: From a remote village near the border to India's Test captain Having endured a challenging start to the 2025 F2 season, this win comes as a timely boost. Maini now shifts focus to Sunday's feature race and will aim to carry his momentum to Barcelona next weekend. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Who is Kush Maini? Meet the first Indian to win Formula 2 race at Monaco, earning praise from Anand Mahindra
Kush Maini has made history as the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 race at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. The 25-year-old delivered a flawless performance in Saturday's Sprint Race, dominating from start to finish and securing his first-ever F2 podium with DAMS Lucas Oil. Starting from pole due to the reverse grid system, Maini showed exceptional control and maturity, leading all 30 laps with a calm, composed drive around one of the toughest circuits in motorsport. The victory marked his first win of the season and his most significant milestone to date. 'P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and a dream come true, really. I want to thank DAMS and everyone who's supported me. We keep believing,' said Maini after the race, visibly emotional during the post-race celebration. Maini had initially qualified P10 for the Feature Race on Sunday, which put him on pole for the Sprint Race under F2's reverse grid rule. He capitalized on the opportunity with a commanding lights-to-flag win, something rarely seen on a circuit known for its tight corners and limited overtaking chances. Anand Mahindra congratulates Maini for his historic win. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group and a longtime supporter of Indian talent in motorsports, took to social media to praise Maini's feat. 'You are Standing Tall and the country stands tall with you. Kush Maini making history as the 1st Indian winner of an F2 race in Monte Carlo… We are proud to have you on our team,' Mahindra posted on X, celebrating the massive breakthrough for Indian motorsport. You are Standing Tall, @kmainiofficial and the country stands tall with Maini making history as the 1st Indian winner of an F2 race in Monte Carlo… We are proud to have you on our team at @MahindraRacing Who is Kush Maini? For those just discovering his name, Kush Maini is far from a newcomer to the racing world. His journey in single-seaters began in 2016 with Italian F4 and quickly progressed through various series, including British F3—where he placed third in 2018—and FIA F3. In 2022, he finished 13th in the FIA Formula 3 Drivers' Championship with MP Motorsport before stepping up to FIA Formula 2. He earned his first F2 victory in the Budapest Sprint Race in 2024 and is currently competing in his third F2 Sprint campaign. Maini is also the reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team and represents DAMS Lucas Oil in the current season. Beyond Formula 2, he has tested his versatility with stints in the F3 Asia series and the FIA World Endurance Championship. He comes from a racing family too. His brother Arjun Maini also raced in Formula 2, and their uncle Chetan Maini is known for building India's first electric car. Kush is mentored by F1 legend Mika Häkkinen, and with his recent success, he's quickly becoming a name to watch on the international circuit. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
India Today
7 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Kush Maini becomes 1st Indian to win F2 Monaco GP, jubilant Anand Mahindra reacts
Under the shimmering skies of the Cte d'Azur, Kush Maini etched his name into racing history with a spectacular victory in the Formula 2 Sprint Race on the iconic streets of Monaco. Displaying precision, composure, and unshakeable focus, he claimed his first F2 win of the season—and his maiden podium with DAMS Lucas Oil—at the most prestigious venue in motorsport. This historic achievement makes him the first Indian driver to win at from pole position, the BWT Alpine F1 Team reserve driver showcased masterful control and strategic poise throughout the race. He made the most of a strong start and managed the pressure with veteran-like maturity, securing a dominant lights-to-flag victory. Maini had qualified P10 for Sunday's Feature Race, placing him on pole for Saturday's Sprint Race due to the reverse grid system. From the moment the lights went out, the DAMS driver led confidently for all 30 laps.'P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and a dream come true, really. I want to thank DAMS and everyone who's supported me. We keep believing,' said an emotional Kush after the podium tycoon Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra Group, heaped praise on Kush Maini for the incredible achievement. advertisementTaking to X, Mahindra wrote, 'You are Standing Tall, @kmainiofficial and the country stands tall with you. Kush Maini making history as the 1st Indian winner of an F2 race in Monte Carlo. We are proud to have you on our team at @MahindraRacing.' Following a challenging start to the 2025 season, the Monaco win arrived at the perfect moment - boosting both his confidence and momentum at a critical point in the what was a truly special moment for Kush and the nation, he proudly sang the Indian national anthem during the podium celebrations. Indian business tycoon Gautam Singhania was seen embracing Kush in the pit lane after the win. Singhania's JK Racing, along with TVS Racing, have supported Maini throughout his this landmark victory, Kush now looks to carry the momentum into Sunday's Feature Race and into the upcoming round in Barcelona next weekend.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Kush Maini wins Monte Carlo Sprint Race
Kush Maini secured victory in the Monte Carlo Sprint Race for DAMS Lucas Oil, converting pole position around the Principality with a lights-to-flag performance on Saturday (May 24, 2025). The Indian driver held off fellow Alpine Academy talent Gabriele Minì, who finished second for PREMA Racing. Luke Browning inherited third for Hitech TGR after a time penalty for Campos Racing's Arvid Lindblad. This was Kush's second F2 victory, the previous one in the Sprint Race in Hungary in 2024. 'P1, first Indian to win in Monaco too. It's a great honour and a dream come true. I want to say thank you to DAMS and everyone who has supported me. We keep believing!,' said Kush.
