Alpine Racing has added academy driver Kush Maini to its test and reserve pool for 2025 F1 season ahead of Australian GP.
In the winter of 2024/25, Alpine named Franco Colapinto as its reserve alongside Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron. It has now expanded the pool with the addition of its academy driver Maini, who steps up to a new role after more than a year with the team.
As part of the deal, Maini will help Alpine in the development work in support of the drivers during race weekends – when free – via simulator. The Indian driver will also continue with the Testing of Previous Cars programme throughout the 2025 season.
He is due to start his third season in F2 in 2025 after switching to DAMS. He is coached by former F1 champion Mika Hakinen. “I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season,” he said after the announcement by Alpine.
“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.” At the same time, Julian Rouse added: “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.”
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