Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini will expand his role with the team in 2025 by becoming Test and Reserve Driver, with the Indian racer set to take on the additional duties alongside competing in Formula 2 with DAMS.
Maini first joined the Alpine Academy in October 2023 before going on to race in the 2024 F2 season, during which he scored five podiums including a race win in Budapest.
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As he enters into his third Formula 2 campaign, Maini will also take on the position of Test and Reserve Driver for the Alpine F1 team.
As part of his role, the 24-year-old will use the driver-in-loop simulator at the squad’s Enstone base to support their car development and set-up objectives, as well as participating in the TPC programme (Testing of Previous Cars) to continue to improve his skills.
Maini will race for DAMS in the 2025 Formula 2 season
“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team this season,” said Maini.
“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.
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“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.”
Flavio Briatore and Oliver Oakes have added another name to Alpine’s reserve roster
Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director, commented: “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.
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“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.”
Maini joins a pool of reserve drivers at Alpine that also includes Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa and former Williams super-sub Franco Colapinto.
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