Who Is Kush Maini, the Indian F2 Driver Who Just Conquered Monaco?

In the world of motorsport, winning at Monaco means something. It’s not just about points or podiums—it’s prestige, legacy, a whispered nod from the racing gods. It’s also a pain in the neck, literally: tight corners, zero margin for error, and the kind of concentration that makes chess feel like a beach sport.

But on May 24, 2025, beneath the glittering balconies of Monte Carlo and the flashbulbs of motorsport’s most glamorous weekend, Kush Maini, 24 years old, Bengaluru-born, and cool as a cucumber under pressure, became the first Indian ever to win a Formula 2 race at Monaco.

For India, as the Indian national anthem echoed through the streets of Monaco and played live on international televisions worldwide, this was a moment. The kind of motorsport poetry that gets etched into history.

And while you may not know him yet, here’s exactly why you should.

The Race

Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, Maini converted a reverse-grid pole into a lights-to-flag win in the Sprint Race, keeping Alpine Academy teammate Gabriele Minì at bay with veteran-level poise.

Maini had Gabriele Minì breathing down his neck the whole time. Monaco doesn’t forgive mistakes. But Maini didn’t blink. Thirty laps of tactical driving, clean exits, and nerves of titanium. No drama, no flashy wheel-to-wheel chaos.

It was Maini’s second career F2 victory—his first since Hungary 2024—but far more than just another notch on the stats sheet. This was Monaco. And no Indian driver had done this before.

As the Indian anthem played and Kush stood on the top step, fist clenched, the magnitude of the moment wasn’t lost. “P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It’s a great honour and a dream come true,” he said.

JK Racing and TVS Racing—two Indian names that have backed Maini for years—were vindicated. It was more than just a personal win. It was a jolt of electricity for Indian motorsport, a reminder that we can play in the big leagues.

So…Who Is Kush Maini?

Let’s rewind. Born in 2000, Kush Maini is the younger brother of former GP3 and F2 racer Arjun Maini and the nephew of business magnate Chetan Maini. In short, speed runs in the family. But Kush has carved his own path, brick by brick, grind by grind.

From cutting his teeth in Italian F4 and British F3, to a breakout season in the 2018 BRDC British Formula 3 where he finished third overall, the kid has always had pace. He’s raced in the Formula Renault Eurocup, FIA Formula 3, the World Endurance Championship—you name it, he’s driven it. He’s not the flashiest guy on the grid. No PR gimmicks, no oversized branding. Just a relentless, quiet belief in his own craft.

And it’s paying off. Maini joined the Alpine Academy in 2023, and in March 2025, was named a reserve and development driver for the Alpine Formula One team. He’s also a reserve for Mahindra in Formula E. If there’s an open cockpit anywhere near a top-tier seat, Maini’s name is in the conversation.

Maini’s driving style mirrors his personality—measured, cerebral, clinical. And Monaco was a case study in that control. Despite immense pressure from Minì and the lurking chaos that defines any street circuit, Maini didn’t flinch.

Why This Matters

Let’s not sugarcoat it—India isn’t exactly known for producing motorsport legends. There’s been Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, and more recently Jehan Daruvala. But victories at this level, on this stage? They’re rare. And that’s what makes this moment seismic. It’s also a win for everyone who’s ever dared to dream of a Formula One seat with an Indian flag next to their name.

Maini currently drives for DAMS in F2 and remains Alpine’s reserve driver. Will we see him in an F1 seat soon? Maybe not tomorrow, but make no mistake—he’s on the radar. And now, he has Monaco on his résumé.