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Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Who is Kush Maini, the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race?
If you're even a little into motorsport, there's a name you should definitely keep an eye on—Kush Maini. This young driver from Bangalore just made headlines by becoming the first Indian ever to win a Formula 2 race, and he did it at none other than the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in May 2025. That's right—Monaco! One of the most prestigious and challenging circuits in the world. And now, this 24-year-old has etched his name into motorsport history. Kush was born on September 22, 2000, in Bangalore, into a family that lives and breathes racing. His older brother, Arjun Maini, is also a professional driver, so the motorsport bug bit early. It wasn't long before young Kush was karting around local tracks, already dreaming of Formula 1. Kush Maini's racing journey really took off back in 2016, when he jumped into the Italian F4 Championship, a popular launchpad for future F1 legends. From there, it was a steady grind up the motorsport ladder. He hustled through series like the Formula Renault Eurocup, BRDC British Formula 3, and then made it to FIA Formula 3. Oh, and just to mix things up, he even gave endurance racing a go in the FIA World Endurance Championship. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The guy's got range. Those years weren't always packed with trophies, but that's what made them so important. Every race, every lap, Kush was learning the ropes, sharpening his skills, and building the kind of grit you need to survive (and thrive) at the top. He may not have been grabbing headlines just yet, but he was absolutely laying the groundwork. Then came 2023, and things got real. Kush stepped up to FIA Formula 2, the last big stop before F1. He signed with Campos Racing and started showing glimpses of the racer he was becoming. But it wasn't until he moved to Invicta Racing that the stars really aligned. In 2024, he bagged his first podium finish with a Sprint Race win in Hungary—a moment that got fans, teams, and the media to sit up and pay attention. But the real showstopper came in May 2025, at the Monaco Grand Prix. Thanks to the reverse-grid setup, Kush started the Sprint Race from pole position—and man, did he deliver. Monaco is a beast of a track. The streets are tight, there's barely room to breathe, and one tiny mistake can end it all. But Kush? He kept it cool. Lap after lap, he stayed sharp, didn't put a wheel wrong, and crossed the finish line in first place. And just like that, he became the first Indian ever to win an F2 race. Why he matters for India India has had a few racers reach global stages: Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, and Kush's own brother, Arjun. But consistent top-level performance has been rare. Kush's win feels different. It's not just symbolic, it's competitive. His victory sends a powerful message to young Indian motorsport hopefuls: you can do this too. With the right backing, training, and grit, you can stand on podiums in Europe and beat the best in the world.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Kush Maini Wins F2 Monaco Sprint Race, Becomes First Indian To Claim Title
Indian motorsport witnessed a historic moment as Kush Maini became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at the Monaco Grand Prix. The 25-year-old converted pole position into a win at the reverse-grid Sprint Race. Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, he covered the iconic streets of Monte Carlo to mark his maiden F2 victory along with his first podium finish of the season. To achieve this, the BWT Alpine F1 driver held his composure across 30 laps in a nerve-wrecking competition. While Maini's performance during the race drew praise, he stood at the top of the podium singing the Indian national anthem as Monaco's iconic street circuit became a witness to the moment. "P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and a dream come true, really. We keep believing," said Kush Maini, while showing gratitude for DAMS. In the pit lane, Indian business tycoon Gautam Singhania was spotted celebrating with the 24-year-old, highlighting the ongoing support from JK Racing and TVS Racing, which are the two organizations that have backed Maini since his early racing career. Currently serving as a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Maini's impressive victory at Monaco has boosted his visibility. It has also sparked renewed conversations about the possibility of securing a full-time Formula 1 seat in the near future. This marks Maini's second victory in the F2 sprint, finishing 3.705 seconds ahead of Mini. It is also his inaugural win with his new team, DAMS. With this victory, Maini advances to P13 in the championship, trailing the leader, Alexander Dunne, by 54 points.
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.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- 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.'
