Alpine has announced Kush Maini as a test and reserve driver for 2025, while he continues his Formula 2 duties with DAMS Lucas Oil.
Maini joined the French team’s academy in October 2023 and later achieved five podiums and a Feature Race win in Budapest during the 2024 Formula 2 season.
The 24-year-old will use the driver-in-loop simulator at their Enstone base, which will support in-car development, and continue Alpine’s Testing Previous Cars programme.
Since becoming a part of the academy, Maini has had several tests in previous cars at the Red Bull Ring, Imola, Yas Marina, and Lusail and drove the E20 up the iconic Goodwood hill at last year’s Festival of Speed.
Alongside being a test and reserve driver, Maini will start his second campaign in Formula 2 with DAMS which begins in Melbourne this weekend.
Maini joins an already talented group of reserve drivers at Alpine which includes Paul Aron, Franco Colapinto, and Ryõ Hirakawa.
Speaking to the media, Maini said:
“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula 1 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 [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for their continued support.
“I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula 1 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.”
Image: Alpine F1 Team
