Alpine promotes F2 charger Maini to test and reserve F1 pool

Alpine Academy member and F2 charger Kush Maini has been promoted to the French outfit’s pool of test and reserve drivers for the upcoming 2025 F1 season.

Since joining the Alpine Academy in October 2023, Maini has been on a rapid ascent, turning heads with a productive 2024 F2 season with Invicta Racing that saw him clinch five podiums—including a win in Budapest.

Now, as the 24-year-old Indian racer prepares for his third year in F2 with DAMS, he’s adding a high-stakes role with the Alpine F1 team to his resume, blending simulator work, car development, and on-track testing into his already impressive schedule.

Maini’s new gig is a hands-on opportunity to shape his future with Alpine. From the team’s Enstone base, he’ll dive into the driver-in-loop simulator, fine-tuning car setups and supporting development goals.

He’ll also benefit from a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme, sharpening his skills behind the wheel of F1 machinery.

Alongside fellow reserve drivers Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and Franco Colapinto, Maini joins a talented pool ready to back the team through a grueling season.

Maini’s Journey Accelerates

“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team this season,” he said in a statement released by Alpine.

“Since joining the Alpine Academy ahead of last year, I have been incredibly welcomed in the entire Alpine family and I am thankful to Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for their continued support.

“I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula 1 machinery in this role and to build on what I have already learned with the team in 2024,” he added.

But Maini’s focus isn’t solely on F1 just yet. With his third F2 campaign looming, he’s keeping his eyes on the immediate prize.

“I’m very excited to begin the role as soon as possible but for now my focus is on my third season in Formula 2 kicking off this weekend in Australia,” he noted.

Alpine’s confidence in Maini is equally clear. Julian Rouse, the Alpine Academy Director, praised the young driver’s trajectory.

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“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,” Rouse said.

“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.”

Rouse sees Maini’s promotion as a strategic boost. “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.”

A Dual Path to Greatness

For Maini, 2025 promises to be a defining year – a whirlwind of simulator sessions, F1 test runs, and F2 battles. It’s a rare opportunity to straddle two worlds, honing his craft in the feeder series while getting a taste of the pinnacle of motorsport.

His journey from Alpine Academy rookie to a key cog in the F1 team’s machinery reflects both his talent and the faith the team has in his potential.

As he takes the wheel in Australia to kick off his F2 season, the road ahead glimmers with possibility – perhaps leading him straight to a full-time F1 seat.

For now, Maini’s story is one of grit, growth, and a relentless pursuit of speed, with Alpine betting big on their rising star.

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