Kush Maini Wins Monaco F2 Sprint, Becomes First Indian To Top Podium

In a landmark moment for Indian motorsport, Kush Maini has become the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 Sprint Race, achieving the historic feat on the iconic Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco on May 24, 2025.

The 24-year-old DAMS Lucas Oil driver delivered a flawless lights-to-flag victory in the Sprint Race, leading from pole position to the chequered flag. Maini had qualified 10th for the Feature Race, which, due to the reverse grid rule, gave him the pole for Saturday's Sprint. He seized the opportunity with a masterclass in control, focus, and composure on the unforgiving streets of Cote d'Azur.

"P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and a dream come true, really. I want to thank DAMS and everyone who's supported me. We keep believing," an emotional Maini said after the race as the Indian national anthem played during the podium ceremony.

Celebrations poured in from across the country. Business magnate Anand Mahindra hailed Maini's triumph, saying, "You are Standing Tall, @kmainiofficial, and the country stands tall with you... Kush Maini making history as the 1st Indian winner of an F2 race in Monte Carlo."

Maini, currently a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team and part of Mahindra Racing in Formula E, has now carved a path not only for himself but potentially for the next generation of Indian racers. Gautam Singhania, another notable figure in Indian motorsports, was seen embracing Maini in the pit lane after the race.

Born in 2000 into a family deeply rooted in motorsport, Kush is the younger brother of Arjun Maini, also a racing driver. Their uncle, Chetan Maini, is the founder of SUN Mobility and the mind behind India's first electric car, the REVA. Kush's racing journey began with Italian and British F4, before he climbed the ranks through Formula Renault Eurocup and the BRDC British F3 Championship, where he finished as runner-up in 2020-an achievement shared with his mentor, F1 legend Mika Hakkinen.

Maini's F2 journey has seen him race for Campos, Invicta, and now DAMS. While with Invicta, he claimed five podiums and a win in Hungary, helping the team win the 2024 Constructors' Championship. His role with Alpine also makes him the first Indian to be associated with a Formula 1 team since Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.

India, which once hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit, has struggled to stay relevant in global motorsport due to high costs, weak grassroots infrastructure, and bureaucratic challenges. But Maini's Monaco victory has reignited hopes for a motorsport revival in the country.

With momentum now on his side, Maini aims to carry this confidence into Sunday's Feature Race and the upcoming round in Barcelona. After years in the shadows, Indian motorsport finally has a new flagbearer-and the world is taking notice.