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On Tuesday, March 11, BWT Alpine Formula One Team announced Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini as their reserve and test driver for the 2025 season. The announcement came just days prior to the start of the 2025 F1 season, which will commence from March 14 in Melbourne, Australia.
The 24-year-old driver with this became the third Indian to join F1 setup after earlier joining the academy in October 2023 ahead of the 2024 season. He has joined the elite list which includes Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok. In the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship, Kush Maini scored five podium finishes, including a victory in Hungary. While he will begin his campaign with Alpine, Kush will continue racing for DAMS Lucas Oil in F2 for 2025.
A step closer to my ultimate goal: Kush Maini on Alpine appointement
The 24-year-old Kush Maini has been slowly progressing in the Formula circuit. After getting into the junior racing categories, he has put up some impressive performances in Formula 3 and Formula 2. Speaking after being handed a new role in the Alpine colours, Maini said, “It is a dream come true to be associated with Alpine as a test and reserve driver. This opportunity brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal of racing in Formula 1. I am incredibly grateful to Alpine for believing in me and giving me this chance to learn and contribute to the team.”
Alpine Academy Director, Julian Rouse also opened up on Kush Maini’s appointment stating, “We are very happy to announce the expansion of Kush’s role in the Alpine Academy to include Test and Reserve Driver duties for the team this season. Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results whilst we have been working with him and we expect he will continue to do so in 2025. His wider role allows us to further expand our pool of driving talent who can provide support and resource to the whole team during the busy season.”
