Alpine has added another reserve driver to their lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season, with Formula 2 driver Kush Maini joining the team’s growing roster of backup talent.
Maini will be in Australia this weekend as the new Formula 2 season kicks off at Albert Park Circuit alongside the F1 race.
The Indian driver joins Paul Aron, Franco Colapinto and Ryo Hirakawa as reserve drivers for the French team.
This will be Maini’s third year in Formula 2. Last season, he finished 13th in the championship while racing for Invicta Racing. For 2025, he’s switching teams to DAMS.
Maini has been part of Alpine’s academy since late 2023 and will now take on expanded responsibilities with the F1 team.
His new role includes simulator work at Alpine’s Enstone factory and participation in TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programs alongside his fellow reserve drivers.
“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season,” Maini said about his promotion. “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.”
He added: “I’m 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’s driver situation remains interesting heading into 2025.
Jack Doohan, who’s already been announced as a 2025 race driver, is reportedly under pressure before even getting his chance to impress. Rumors suggest executive advisor Flavio Briatore might prefer Franco Colapinto to partner Pierre Gasly next season.
Julian Rouse, Director of Alpine’s Academy, praised 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.”
