Alpine has announced it has signed Kush Maini as its new reserve driver for 2025.
Kush Maini is the fourth driver to join the team’s growing reserve driver pool ahead of the new season. He joins Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and the dark horse for a 2025 seat, Franco Colapinto.
Maini’s deal with Alpine will involve simulator work, and participating in the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations. This permits Maini to test F1 machinery older than three years.
The Indian driver will also continue to drive in F2, entering his third year in the junior racing series.
He will make his debut with DAMS this weekend in Australia after switching from Invicta Racing during the off-season.
Kush Maini ‘Delighted to step up’
In a statement released by Alpine, Kush Maini spoke of his desire to drive current and historic F1 machinery as part of his new role.
“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season. 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.”
Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director said the Indian had ‘impressed the team’ with his F2 results and TPC work.
“We are very happy to announce the expansion of Kush’s role in the Alpine Academy to include Test and Reserve Driver duties for the team this season.
“Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results whilst we have been working with him and we expect he will continue to do so in 2025. His wider role allows us to further expand our pool of driving talent who can provide support and resource to the whole team during the busy season.”
Feature Image Credit: Alpine Cars
