Maini's F1 Test at Zandvoort runs parallel to government's push to bring Formula 1 back to India
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
Reader Comments
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.
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.
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 👏.
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.
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! 🏎️
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