By Aniket Kuila
Category: Formula 2
Kush Maini created history by winning the Formula 2 Sprint Race from start to finish at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix to become the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 event.
Starting on pole at one of the most unforgiving tracks when it comes to track position, courtesy the reverse-grid format, Maini led from start to finish, driving dominantly.
Maini sang the Indian national anthem after placing a traditional 'namaste' on the top step of the podium, an indelible memory for the country.
Maini claimed victory in Monaco to add to his previously flawed victory from the 2024 Budapest Sprint Race after an opponent was disqualified.
Maini is on the Alpine Academy and is the team's reserve driver, meaning he continues to move up within motorsport.
Racing runs in Maini's family as his brother Arjun is also a racer, and their uncle Chetan Maini led the way to India's first-ever electric car.
Double F1 World Champion, Mika Häkkinen, has been Maini's mentor and has been instrumental in guiding and supporting him through his racing career.
Maini’s success has brought back interest in Indian motorsport, inspiring aspiring racers and drawing attention to the country's potential in F1.
In the 2024 F2 season, Maini achieved several podiums, which indicated his completeness as a competitor.
With the experience and associations in his pocket, Maini comes across as a serious challenger for India's next entry to Formula 1.