Kush Maini Completes F1 Test as India Eyes F1 Return

Kush Maini's F1 Test at Zandvoort Boosts India's Formula 1 Revival Push

Kush Maini completed his first official Formula 1 test of the 2026 season with BWT Alpine F1 Team at Circuit Zandvoort, driving 193 laps over 822 km. The Indian driver retained his role as Test and Reserve Driver for the 2026 season. Maini expressed gratitude for the opportunity and aims to carry momentum into the F2 season in Miami. His progress comes as the Indian government pushes to revive Formula 1 in the country.

Key Points: Kush Maini Completes F1 Test as India Eyes F1 Return

Kush Maini completes first official F1 test of 2026 season with Alpine
Drove 193 laps, covering 822 km at Circuit Zandvoort
Indian government explores pathways to revive Formula 1 in India
Maini shifts focus to FIA Formula 2 Championship in Miami

Apr 23, 2026

2 min read

Maini's F1 Test at Zandvoort runs parallel to government's push to bring Formula 1 back to India

Kush Maini completes 193 laps in his first F1 test of 2026 with Alpine at Zandvoort, as the Indian government pushes to bring Formula 1 back to India.

"Great to be back in the F1 car after a break in the Formula 2 season. - Kush Maini"

Amsterdam, April 23

As the Indian Government continues to explore pathways to revive Formula One in the country, India's sole representative on the global Formula racing ladder, Kush Maini, is quietly strengthening the nation's presence at the highest level of the sport.

According to a release, the 25-year-old completed his first official Formula 1 test of the 2026 season with BWT Alpine F1 Team at the iconic Circuit Zandvoort. The two-day, closed-door session further underscored the team's continued trust and belief in his potential.

Driving the Alpine A521 as part of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, Maini completed an impressive 193 laps, covering a total of 822 kilometres. Having retained his role as Test and Reserve Driver with the team for the 2026 season, this marks the first of several planned outings in Formula 1 machinery this year.

Speaking after the session, Maini said, "Great to be back in the F1 car after a break in the Formula 2 season. I'm incredibly grateful to Alpine for the opportunity. Getting into an F1 car is always a huge confidence boost, and I'm looking to carry this momentum into Miami as we resume the F2 season."

Maini will now shift his focus back to the FIA Formula 2 Championship, which resumes next weekend in Miami. Armed with valuable Formula 1 experience, the Indian driver continues to build momentum on the international stage at a time when India's ambitions of rejoining the Formula One calendar are gaining renewed traction. His steady rise further strengthens the case for the sport's return to the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Priya S

Great to see Indian talent getting a proper shot. But let's not get ahead of ourselves—bringing F1 back to India needs serious infrastructure and investment. The Buddh International Circuit is there but it's fallen into disrepair 😞. Government should focus on rebuilding that first.

Vikram M

I remember when India had its own F1 race back in 2011-2013. Those were golden days for Indian motorsport 🇮🇳. If Kush keeps performing like this and the government backs it properly, we could see another Indian driver on the grid soon. Alpine clearly sees his potential.

Siddharth J

Honestly, I think the government's push for F1 is a bit misplaced. We have bigger issues like public transport, road safety, and pollution in our cities. F1 is a rich man's sport—let's first make our roads safe for regular people. But yes, credit to Maini for his hard work 👏.

James A

Impressive numbers—193 laps covering 822 km at Zandvoort is no easy feat. That track is technical with all its banking. If Maini gets an actual race seat in the future, it would be amazing for Indian motorsport fans. F1 needs more diversity and countries involved.

Rohit P

Kush Maini is doing India proud 🇮🇳! But I hope the government doesn't just focus on F1 returning for the sake of it—we need a proper ecosystem: go-karting tracks, junior racing programs, and sponsors willing to back young talent. Otherwise it's just a flash in the pan. Still, proud of Kush! 🏎️

Maini's F1 Test at Zandvoort runs parallel to government's push to bring Formula 1 back to India

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