F1 News
Alpine strengthen reserve driver role for 2025 F1 season with this signing
Alpine has announced that Formula 2 driver Kush Maini will become another reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Maini will be in Australia this weekend at the Albert Park Circuit, as the new Formula 2 season also kicks off this weekend. Alpine already has Paul Aron, Franco Colapinto and Ryo Hirakawa on their reserve driver books, and has officially announced today that Maini has joined this group.
Alpine has today announced Kush Maini as another reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Indian driver is entering his third year in Formula 2. Last season, he finished 13th in the championship while racing for Invicta Racing. This season, Maini will take to the Formula 2 grid with DAMS.
Maini has been part of Alpine's academy since late 2023 and will share his new role with a few other drivers. The Indian will participate in simulator work at the team Enstone factory, as well as participate in TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programmes alongside his three stablemates.
Maini reacts to Alpine's announcement
Maini himself reacts to the announcement: “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.”
Alpine add to its large pool of drivers with the signing of Maini. 2025 driver Jack Doohan is under pressure before even giving the chance to impress, with rumours circulating the paddock that executive advisor Flavio Briatore would prefer Franco Colapinto's services alongside Pierre Gasly.
Maini helps Alpine 'expand pool of driving talent'
Julian Rouse, Director of Alpine's Academy, is also pleased with Maini's promotion: "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 resources to the whole team during the busy season.”
This article was written in collaboration with Esteban den Toom