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Kush Maini's Historic Leap: From F2 Star to Alpine F1 Test Driver

Kush Maini is staying in Formula 2, but with a new team for 2026. He's signed with the prestigious ART Grand Prix squad. This comes hot on the heels of another massive career move into Formula One. Maini will also test for Alpine F1 and serve as their reserve driver, marking a huge step for Indian motorsport.

Key Points: Kush Maini Signs with ART GP for 2026 Formula 2 Season

  • Maini returns for a fourth F2 season after winning two races and seven podiums
  • He made history as the first Indian to win at the Monaco street circuit
  • The driver was recently named a Test & Reserve Driver for the Alpine F1 team
  • His upcoming F1 test in Abu Dhabi makes him the third Indian in an official session
2 min read

ART GP signs Kush Maini for 2026 Formula 2 season

Indian driver Kush Maini joins ART Grand Prix for 2026 F2, building on his Monaco win and new role as an Alpine F1 test and reserve driver.

"I’m very happy to be joining such an historic team like ART Grand Prix... I can’t wait to start working with them. - Kush Maini"

New Delhi, Dec 9

ART Grand Prix racing team have confirmed the signing of India's Kush Maini for the 2026 Formula 2 season.

Maini, who won two races and achieved seven podiums during the Championship, is set to return for a fourth season in Formula Two.

Before entering Formula 2, Maini finished second in the 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship and ranked 14th with one podium in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 season.

The Indian driver is eager to start working with ART and is now set to compete in Formula One for another season. “I’m very happy to be joining such an historic team like ART Grand Prix. My first contacts with the engineers and mechanics have been very positive. I appreciate the determination and the human atmosphere within the team, and I can’t wait to start working with them and see what we can achieve together,” said Maini.

ART Grand Prix Team Principal Sébastien Philippe also added: “Kush has shown real speed and maturity in Formula 2, and his win in Monaco is a clear example of his potential. We are happy to welcome him to ART Grand Prix and look forward to working together in 2026.”

Earlier this month, the Alpine Formula One Team announced the signing of Maini for the A525 during the post-season Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi.

Maini will share the track with current Alpine driver Pierre Gasly and race alongside several other F1 competitors. He has already gained valuable experience through Alpine’s Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme and extensive simulator work with the Alpine Academy, key steps in a year filled with breakthroughs.

His landmark win in Monaco made him the first Indian to triumph at the iconic street circuit. Earlier this year, he was also named one of BWT Alpine’s Test & Reserve Drivers, becoming the first Indian in 13 years to hold an official role with a Formula 1 team. His outing on December 9 will see him become only the third Indian to participate in an official F1 session.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud! ART is a top team in F2. A fourth season shows his and the team's commitment. The path through Alpine's academy seems very structured. Hope he gets a proper F1 seat soon, not just testing.
R
Rohit P
Great to see an Indian name in motorsport headlines again. But a fourth year in F2? Isn't that a bit long? He needs to win the championship in 2026 to really force that F1 door open. No time to waste.
S
Sarah B
As an F1 fan living in Mumbai, this is exciting. The synergy with Alpine is key. The simulator work and TPC program are more valuable than people think. Gasly as a teammate in testing will be a great benchmark for him.
V
Vikram M
Finally some positive sports news! His journey from British F3 to this point has been solid. The financial backing must be strong to secure an ART seat. Hope Indian corporates get behind him now.
K
Karthik V
Being the first Indian to win at Monaco is no small feat. That alone shows his caliber. ART knows how to develop champions. Let's hope 2026 is his year. Jai Hind!

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