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Time of India
25-05-2025
- 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.
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Kush Maini becomes first Indian to win F2, scripts history; Anand Mahindra hails remarkable feat: ‘Country stands tall with you'
In a historic moment for Indian motorsport, Kush Maini became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. Maini, 25, delivered a phenomenal victory in the Sprint Race for DAMS Lucas Oil. Maini's remarkable performance drew widespread praise, including a heartfelt message from Mahindra and Mahindra chairman Anand Mahindra. '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,' the business tycoon wrote. See here: 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 — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) May 24, 2025 Starting the Sprint Race from pole position, earned through Formula 2's reverse-grid rule, which inverts the top ten qualifiers from Friday, Maini seized the opportunity after qualifying 10th for the Feature Race. The victory was a personal milestone for Maini and a proud moment for fans. The Indian national anthem echoed across the iconic circuit during the podium ceremony, with Maini standing tall and singing along. Watch here: A post shared by GQ India (@gqindia) Currently serving as a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Maini's breakthrough win at Monaco has significantly elevated his profile. It has also reignited discussions about a potential full-time Formula 1 seat shortly. The young Indian racer had an impressive campaign in the 2024 Formula 2 season, securing five podium finishes, including a memorable win in Hungary. His consistent performance was instrumental in helping Invicta Racing clinch the Teams' Championship title. Maini also made history earlier in the season by becoming the first Indian driver to secure a pole position in Formula 2, achieving the milestone at the Jeddah circuit. Reflecting on his current role in Formula 1, Maini told 'Being a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team is an incredible opportunity, and a moment of immense pride for me and my family as it's been my dream to represent the Tricolor in F1. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm deeply grateful for the trust the team has placed in me. I'm excited to kickstart 2025 and continue this remarkable journey.'
India Today
25-05-2025
- 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.
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.
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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.
