Formula 2 driver Kush Maini has been added to the roster of the Alpine Formula 1 team as a test and reserve driver ahead of the 2025 season, Afrosport reports.
Maini joined Alpine’s young driver programme at the end of 2023 and has now joined the expanded line-up of backup drivers that includes Franco Colapinto, Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron.
The Indian driver, the first in F1 since Narain Karthikeyan in 2012, will work at the team’s factory at Enstone by supporting the car’s development using its driver-in-loop simulator and will also participate in the testing of previous cars (TPC) to rack up further mileage.
“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season,” Maini said per the F1 website.
“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.
“I am 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.”
The 24-year-old sampled older Alpine machinery on four occasions in 2024, including a test in Qatar. He will carry out his Alpine commitments while racing in feeder series, F2, with the DAMS team.
