Kush Maini is a trailblazing Indian racing driver who, as of May 2025, has made motorsport history by becoming the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race, claiming victory at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix Sprint Race. Born on September 22, 2000, in Bangalore, Maini is part of a family deeply rooted in motorsport and the automotive industry – his brother Arjun Maini has raced in GP3 and F2, while his uncle Chetan Maini is a pioneer in India’s electric vehicle sector.
Career Trajectory
Early Years & Junior Categories: Maini began karting before stepping into single-seaters in 2016, racing for BVM Racing in the Italian F4 Championship. He steadily progressed, earning his first podium in Vallelunga and finishing 16th overall in his debut season. He improved to 8th in his sophomore year, securing multiple podiums at Imola and Monza.
British F3 & Formula Renault: In 2018, Maini moved to the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, finishing third overall with a win and several podiums. He also competed in the Formula Renault Eurocup, placing sixth in 2019.
Climbing the Ladder: Maini’s upward trajectory continued with a second-place finish in the 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship and stints in the FIA World Endurance Championship and F3 Asian Championship.
FIA Formula 3 & Formula 2: Maini entered FIA Formula 3 in 2022, finishing 14th in the championship. He then graduated to Formula 2, racing for Campos Racing in 2023 (11th in the standings), Invicta Racing in 2024 (13th), and joining DAMS Lucas Oil for 2025.
2025 Monaco Grand Prix: A Historic Win
Maini’s breakthrough moment came on May 24, 2025, when he dominated the Monaco Sprint Race from pole position (secured via the reverse-grid rule after qualifying 10th for the Feature Race). He led every lap on the notoriously unforgiving Monte Carlo street circuit, fending off pressure and managing technical challenges to finish over two seconds clear of his rivals. This victory not only marked his first F2 win but also the first by any Indian driver in the series, earning widespread acclaim from Indian business leaders and the motorsport community.
Unique Aspects and Recognition
Reserve Driver Roles: Maini serves as a reserve driver for both the Alpine Formula 1 team and Mahindra Racing in Formula E, highlighting his versatility and the confidence major teams place in his talent.
Alpine Academy: He is a member of the Alpine Academy, a program that has produced current F1 drivers, underlining his potential trajectory toward Formula 1.
Mentorship: Maini is mentored by two-time Formula One world champion Mika Häkkinen, adding a unique dimension to his development.
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Family Legacy: The Maini family’s contributions to Indian motorsport and the automotive industry—especially through the Maini Reva Electric car company—underscore Kush’s deep-rooted connection to racing and innovation.
Career Stats Snapshot
| Year | Series | Team(s) | Standings/Best Result |
| 2016 | Italian F4 | BVM Racing | 16th (rookie: 5th) |
| 2017 | Italian F4 | Jenzer Motorsport | 8th |
| 2018 | BRDC British F3 | Lanan Racing | 3rd (1 win, 7 podiums) |
| 2019 | Formula Renault Eurocup | M2 Competition | 6th |
| 2020 | BRDC British F3 | Hitech GP | 2nd |
| 2021 | F3 Asian Championship | Mumbai Falcons | 11th |
| 2022 | FIA Formula 3 | MP Motorsport | 14th |
| 2023 | FIA Formula 2 | Campos Racing | 11th |
| 2024 | FIA Formula 2 | Invicta Racing | 13th |
| 2025 | FIA Formula 2 | DAMS Lucas Oil | 1st Indian F2 race win |
Kush Maini’s journey is defined by resilience, adaptability, and a pioneering spirit. His Monaco triumph is more than a personal milestone—it’s a watershed moment for Indian motorsport, inspiring a new generation of racers and signaling India’s growing presence on the global racing stage.
