Monaco, May 2025 — For the first time in the storied history of Formula 2, the Indian national anthem echoed across the royal streets of Monte Carlo. In a moment that will forever be etched into the annals of Indian motorsport, Kush Maini, a 24-year-old from Bengaluru, conquered the iconic Monaco circuit — becoming the first Indian ever to win a Formula 2 race in Monaco.
This is not just a win. It’s a national milestone. A roar of victory that reached every corner of India, from karting circuits in Coimbatore to racing schools in Noida. It’s a moment that fuels dreams, rewrites narratives, and puts India right at the heart of global motorsport.
From Bengaluru to the Podium of Monte Carlo
Born on September 22, 2000, Kush Maini has been no stranger to speed. Raised in a family deeply rooted in motorsport and engineering — with his brother Arjun Maini also a professional racer, and his uncle Chetan Maini, the visionary behind India’s first electric car — Kush was quite literally born to race.
But what unfolded in Monaco was more than just family legacy. It was grit, precision, and sheer brilliance on display.
Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, Maini executed a flawless lights-to-flag performance during the Sprint Race of the Formula 2 Monaco Grand Prix 2025. Every corner was calculated, every overtake unshakable. Against the world’s finest young talents, Maini stood tallest on motorsport’s most prestigious street circuit.
Why This Win Matters for India
This isn’t just about crossing a finish line.
For decades, Indian motorsport struggled for representation at the highest levels. Icons like Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok opened the doors in Formula 1, but the journey for India’s next motorsport superstar had seemed distant — until now.
Kush’s win is more than a trophy. It is proof that Indian talent belongs on the global grid.
It’s about representation on the international stage. It’s about showing that the tricolor can fly high even on European tracks traditionally dominated by the West. It’s about inspiring a new generation of Indian racers to dream big, drive fast, and believe that they, too, can stand atop a Formula podium.
Mentorship from a Legend, Eyes on Formula 1
Maini’s rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Under the mentorship of two-time F1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen, Maini has not only grown as a driver but as a complete athlete. With Häkkinen’s guidance, the Indian ace has shown maturity far beyond his years — both on and off the track.
In 2023, he was announced as the reserve and test driver for the Alpine Formula 1 team, marking a seismic shift in Indian involvement at the sport’s elite level. As of 2025, Maini also serves as Mahindra Racing’s reserve in Formula E, showcasing his versatility across racing platforms.
With this latest victory, the path to a full-time Formula 1 seat has never looked more real for an Indian driver.
What’s Next for Kush Maini — And for India?
India’s motorsport landscape is changing. Fast.
From increased corporate backing to emerging grassroots programs, the foundations are being laid. But Maini’s win in Monaco is the catalyst India needed. It signals to the world that the country isn’t just a cricket powerhouse or a tech hub — India is ready to race.As the Formula 2 season progresses, all eyes will be on Kush Maini. More podiums may come. Perhaps, the ultimate dream of a Formula 1 debut will soon follow. But for now, this Monaco win belongs to every Indian who dares to dream beyond borders.
A Moment of National Pride
When the Indian national anthem played in Monte Carlo, it wasn’t just for Kush Maini. It was for every Indian who believed. For every young racer chasing laps under scorching sun, for every engineer drafting blueprints late at night, for every fan cheering in front of their TV — this victory is yours too. India didn’t just arrive at Monaco, conquered it.