F1: Alpine Signs Indian F2 Talent Kush Maini as Test and Reserve Driver

Alpine has strengthened its reserve driver lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season by adding Indian Formula 2 racer Kush Maini. He joins an impressive group that includes two-time World Endurance champion Ryo Hirakawa and F2 race-winner Paul Aron. This expansion highlights Alpine’s commitment to developing young talent and preparing them for future F1 roles.

A key part of this strategy is Alpine’s signing of Franco Colapinto from Williams on a multi-year contract. Colapinto will take on the role of Test and Reserve Driver, focusing on simulator work at Alpine’s Enstone base. He will also gain valuable track experience through the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, helping him refine his skills and adapt to F1’s demands.

Maini’s appointment follows a significant career shift. He joined the Alpine Academy in October 2023 under the guidance of two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen. After serving as Mahindra’s reserve driver in Formula E, he did not retain that role for the 2024-25 season. This has freed up his schedule, allowing him to fully commit to his new responsibilities with Alpine and strengthen his path in Formula 1.

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Kush Maini, Academy and Test & Reserve Driver, BWT Alpine Formula One Team: 'I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season. 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 and Oliver for their continued support. 

‘I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula One machinery in this role and to build on what I have already learned with the team in 2024. 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.'

Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director: '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.'

Kush Maini finished 13th in his second Formula 2 season, while his former Invicta Racing teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto, won the title and joined Kick Sauber-Ferrari F1. This highlights F2’s competitiveness and the pathway to Formula 1 that Maini is striving for.

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In 2025, he will race in F2 with DAMS while also joining Alpine’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme. This dual role enhances his racecraft and provides vital F1 track time, strengthening his prospects for a future in Formula 1.