On May 24, 2025, the streets of Monte Carlo witnessed a moment that will be etched into Indian motorsport history forever. Kush Maini, a 24-year-old racer from Bengaluru, became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at Monaco, one of the most prestigious and demanding circuits in the world. Racing for DAMS Lucas Oil, Maini delivered a commanding lights-to-flag performance in the Sprint Race, leading every lap and defeating seasoned rivals.
A historic moment for Indians and Indian motorsport, Kush Maini became the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 race at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. Racing for DAMS Lucas Oil, Maini delivered a flawless performance in the Spirit Race, securing a lights-to-flag victory and etching his name into the record books.
Who is Kush Maini?
The man was born on September 22, 2000, in Bengaluru, India. Kush comes from a racing family— his older brother, Arjun Maini, also competed in Formula 2. Their father, Gautam Maini, supported their journey from early karting days, making racing a shared family passion.
Kush began his karting career at a young age and quickly made waves in national and Asian circuits. His early potential earned him opportunities in the Italian F4 Championship, where he gained recognition for his control and composure. He later competed in the British F3 Championship, notching up consistent performances and podiums.
Despite limited sponsorship and visibility for Indian racers abroad, Maini’s resolve never wavered. Maini has shown strength and determination. His consistent performance earned him a spot in the Alpine Academy, a development program for potential Formula 1 drivers. In addition to being an F2 driver, and roles as a reserved driver for both the Alpine F1 and the Mahindra Formula E Teams, further sharpening his technical and strategic racing skills.
The Road to Monaco: Setbacks and Grit
Formula 2 is known as the final stepping stone before Formula 1 and is fiercely competitive. For Maini, the path to Monaco was filled with roadblocks. Indian motorsport infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to countries like the UK, Italy, and Japan. From securing funding to earning race seats in Europe, every step required resilience.
But Maini stayed focused and let his results speak for him. The streets of Monte Carlo are known for their narrow lanes, unforgiving corners, and high-stakes racing. In 2023 and 2024, Maini put in consistent midfield performances, often battling against more heavily backed drivers. Yet, every season brought learning and growth.
Race Day at Monte Carlo: A Masterclass in Control
Monaco is not just another race. It is the jewel in the crown of motorsport—narrow, unforgiving, and merciless on mistakes. It’s a place where overtaking is nearly impossible, so qualifying and race starts are everything.
On May 24, 2025, Maini lined up on pole for the Sprint Race. Right from the lights out, he surged ahead, showing exceptional racecraft under pressure. His pace was consistent, his braking points sharp, and his ability to manage tire degradation set him apart.
Throughout the race, Maini had to fend off intense pressure from more experienced European drivers. Yet, he never faltered. Monaco’s barriers are inches away on every corner, but Maini danced through them with clinical precision.
The moment’s magic was the sound of the Indian national anthem echoing through Monte Carlo post-race. It was a surreal experience for Indian fans around the world.
“This win means everything to me. Standing on the podium in Monaco was a dream come true,” Maini said during the post-race interview.
Behind the Scenes: The Team Behind the Triumph
While Kush Maini stood on the top step of the podium, his win was the result of a collective effort, both on and off the track. The DAMS Lucas Oil team played a crucial role in setting him up for success. Known for nurturing talents like Carlos Sainz Jr. and Alex Albon, the team provided Maini with a balanced car and the strategic support required to dominate Monaco.
In the days leading up to the race, the DAMS crew focused on data simulations, tire strategy, and gearbox calibration—all critical elements for a track as narrow and technical as Monte Carlo. During qualifying, Maini's engineer guided him through every sector, helping him secure pole position, which was crucial for a track where overtaking is difficult.
Race day itself required near-perfect execution. Maini's race engineer was constantly in his ear, updating him on tire temperatures, gaps to rivals, and safety car windows. The pit wall strategy ensured he never came under threat, even when pressure from rivals intensified. DAMS’ decision not to pit under a virtual safety car, unlike a few others, proved to be a masterstroke in maintaining track position.
Off-track, his family has been his unwavering pillar of support. His father, Gautam Maini, a businessman and motorsport enthusiast, helped fund his early karting years. His older brother, Arjun Maini, a fellow racing driver, provided constant mentorship and tactical insights from his own F2 experience. Even his physical trainer and mental coach contributed to his composure on race day, helping him stay calm under pressure and manage fatigue during long race weekends.
Maini’s win was no solo act. It was a masterclass in teamwork, preparation, and execution on every possible level.
A Roar Heard Across the World: Media and Fan Reactions
Maini’s win made headlines across Indian and international media. The hashtag #KushMaini trended on social media, with congratulatory posts pouring in from F1 drivers, Indian celebrities, and fans.
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “What a moment for Indian motorsport! Congratulations, Kush. The entire nation is proud.” Meanwhile, former F1 driver Karun Chandhok, one of the few Indians to ever race in F1, commented on TV:
“Kush has delivered what no Indian has done before. And he’s done it at Monaco. That’s legendary.”
Significance of Indian Motorsport
India has long been underrepresented in global motorsport, with only a handful of drivers making it to international circuits. Maini’s win is more than a personal triumph, but it's a breakthrough for Indian racing. It sends a powerful message to young, aspiring racers in India: global glory is possible with commitment and persistence.
There's already talk of expanding initiatives like the Indian Racing League (IRL) and boosting FMSCI-backed development programs. More schools, universities, and cities may now consider motorsport as a viable career path for youth.
As one motorsport analyst put it: “Maini showed incredible composure. He’s not just a future F1 prospect—he’s already world-class.” His performance in Monaco has shifted global attention toward India’s racing potential, inspiring both fans and the next generation of talent.
Comparison With Other Indian Racing Greats
India has produced only a handful of internationally recognized racing drivers, and Kush Maini’s victory in Monaco adds a fresh chapter to that small but growing legacy. Before Maini, the two Indian drivers who made it to Formula 1 were Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
Narain Karthikeyan, who debuted with Jordan in 2005, was India's first-ever F1 driver. Although he didn’t have a competitive car, his entry into F1 opened the door for Indian talent to dream big. Later, Karun Chandhok followed in 2010 with HRT and also raced in Le Mans and Formula E. Both were pioneers, navigating the sport at a time when Indian motorsport had virtually no support systems, limited sponsors, and little fan following.
While these drivers broke barriers, Kush Maini represents a different generation—one that has benefited from global exposure, improved training facilities, and international feeder series like Formula 4 and F3.His journey has still not been easy. Despite being better prepared, he faced the same uphill battle for recognition and resources that plagued his predecessors.
A win at Monaco in F2—a direct stepping stone to Formula 1—has placed him in the global spotlight at a crucial point in his career. Unlike the past, where Indian drivers entered F1 mostly through short-term sponsorship deals, Maini has earned attention through merit, performance, and consistency.
His win may well mark the first time an Indian driver is viewed as a serious competitor for a future in F1 racing, not just a representative token. That alone places him in a unique league among India’s motorsport pioneers.
What's next for Maini?
With this win, Maini's chances to step into Formula 1 have significantly improved. His connection with the Alpine Academy may pave the way for an F1 seat in the future. To secure an F1 seat, Maini will need to:
- Finish consistently in the top ranks of the F2 Championship.
- Impress during the simulator and reserve driver stints.
- Secure the backing of sponsors for a full-time F1 deal.
There are precedents. Drivers like Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant made the jump from F2 to F1 in recent years after breakthrough moments. If Maini continues this momentum, he could very well be the third Indian to race in F1—and the first with real potential to compete at the front.
From Bengaluru streets to the glamour of Monaco, Kush Maini's journey is the stuff of dreams. As the checkered flag waved and the anthem played, a new chapter began—not just in Maini’s career, but in the story of Indian racing.
India now has a new hero—and his engine is just getting warmed up. His victory not only brings pride to a nation but also ignites hope for a new generation of Indian racers who dare to dream big.