Latest news with #DamsLucasOil
Mint
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
‘Proud to have you': Anand Mahindra celebrates Kush Maini's F2 breakthrough
Kush Maini scripted a watershed moment in Indian motorsport on Saturday, becoming the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 race at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. The 24-year-old clinched victory in the Sprint Race with a commanding lights-to-flag performance for Dams Lucas Oil, sending a strong message to the paddock and delighting fans back home. Among the first to congratulate Maini was business magnate Anand Mahindra, who took to social media to laud the achievement. "You are standing tall, @kmainiofficial, and the country stands tall with you," Mahindra wrote. "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." Maini started the Sprint Race from pole position courtesy of Formula 2's reverse-grid rule, which flipped the top ten qualifiers for Saturday's event. Having originally qualified 10th for the Feature Race, the Bengaluru-born racer seized the opportunity with a faultless drive on the notoriously unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo. From the moment the lights went out, Maini remained composed under pressure, defending his lead with clinical precision across 30 gruelling laps. The narrow confines of the circuit, where overtaking is a rarity, left no room for error—a challenge Maini met head-on to claim a milestone victory. Speaking after the race, a visibly emotional Maini described the win as a 'dream come true' and thanked his team and supporters. 'We kept believing, and it paid off,' he said on the podium, as the Indian national anthem rang out across Monaco. Now in his second full season in Formula 2, Maini has been striving for a breakthrough in what has been a challenging 2025 campaign. Saturday's result marks a turning point and comes at a critical juncture as he aims to build consistency and gather points in the races ahead. Among those celebrating the win was Gautam Singhania, who was present at the circuit and met Maini in the pit lane following the race. Singhania's JK Racing and TVS Racing have long supported the young driver, playing a key role in his development through the junior categories of international racing. Currently serving as a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Maini's progress is being closely followed by stakeholders in Indian motorsport. His Monaco victory not only elevates his stock but also raises hopes of a full-time Formula 1 seat in the future. Maini will now turn his attention to Sunday's Feature Race, where he will start from 10th on the grid. With momentum on his side, he will be aiming to deliver another strong performance before the paddock moves to Barcelona next weekend. Regardless of what lies ahead, Maini's maiden Formula 2 win at Monaco has already cemented his place in history—marking a proud moment for Indian motorsport and igniting inspiration for a new generation of aspiring racers.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
F2: Kush Maini makes history with Sprint Race victory at iconic Monaco GP
Kush Maini won the Formula 2 Sprint Race at the Monaco Grand Prix to become the first Indian to achieve the feat at the hallowed track on Saturday. Maini claimed his first F2 victory of the season and his first podium with Dams Lucas Oil, making him the first Indian to win at one of the most prestigious tracks in the world. Having started from pole, the BWT Alpine F1 team reserve driver capitalised on a strong start, showing control and precision. Maini qualified P10 for the feature race on Sunday, which made him the pole sitter for Saturday's Sprint Race with the reverse grid system. Having had a solid start at lights out, the Dams driver enjoyed all 30 laps of the race as the race leader. Also read | Monaco GP qualifying: Norris puts McLaren on pole; Hamilton and Verstappen in fourth, fifth 'P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and dream come true really. I want to thank DAMS and everyone who's supported me. We keep believing,' said Maini. Having endured a tough start to the 2025 season, the Monaco win came at the right time to boost his confidence and performance.
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Business Standard
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Kush Maini creates history, becomes first Indian to win Formula 2 race
Kush Maini etched his name in the record books on Saturday (May 24), becoming the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. Driving for Dams Lucas Oil, Maini triumphed in the Sprint Race with a composed and clinical performance from start to finish. The victory marks a significant milestone for Indian motorsport and comes at a time when Maini has been working hard to turn around a challenging 2025 season. As a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 team, the 24-year-old showcased maturity beyond his years, converting a reverse-grid pole position into a dominant win at one of motorsport's most legendary venues. The triumph gives him much-needed momentum heading into Sunday's Feature Race and the upcoming rounds. From P10 to P1 – Maini grabs Monaco moment Maini began the Sprint Race on pole thanks to the reverse-grid rule after qualifying 10th for the Feature Race. He made the most of his front-row start, pulling away cleanly at lights out and holding the lead through all 30 laps on Monaco's unforgiving street circuit. The narrow layout of the circuit demands perfection, and Maini delivered just that—driving with surgical precision and remaining unflustered under pressure. 'Dream come true,' says emotional Maini Speaking after his historic victory, an emotional Maini called the win a 'dream come true' and credited his team for their unwavering support. He expressed gratitude to Dams Lucas Oil and all those who have backed him through the highs and lows of his journey. 'We kept believing, and it paid off,' he shared during the podium ceremony as the Indian national anthem echoed through Monaco. Backed by Indian motorsport stalwarts Notably present at the circuit was Indian business magnate Gautam Singhania, who congratulated Maini in the pit lane post-race. Singhania's JK Racing, along with TVS Racing, has been instrumental in Maini's development over the years. Their long-standing support has helped the Bengaluru-born racer steadily rise through the ranks of international motorsport. Eyes set on Barcelona after Monaco glory With the monkey off his back and a maiden F2 win now in his pocket, Maini will look to carry this form into Sunday's Feature Race, where he starts from 10th. The focus will then shift to Barcelona next weekend, where consistency and momentum could help him climb the championship standings. For now, Maini's Monaco masterclass stands as a proud moment for Indian motorsport—one that could inspire a new generation of racers.
