In a significant development for Indian motorsport, top racer and current F2 driver Kush Maini tested for the BWT Alpine F1 team at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. This marked a watershed moment as Maini became only the fourth Indian to successfully test a Formula 1 car.
A moment of pride for Kush Maini
The test gains greater significance with the Alpine F1 team recently announcing that their driver Esteban Ocon will be leaving after the end of the current season. This opens up a potential opportunity for Maini to step up to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Maini drove BWT Alpine’s A522 Car, completing over 110 laps and clocking more than 500 kilometres. This rigorous testing session allowed Maini to showcase his skills and adaptability in a Formula 1 car, bringing him one step closer to his dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver.
Reflecting on the experience, Maini said, “My first full day in a Formula 1 car is complete in Spielberg. To drive an F1 car is a childhood dream come true for me. It brings me one step closer to being a Formula 1 driver. The BWT Alpine F1 team has backed me from the beginning and I am grateful for this opportunity. We’d set certain targets and I am glad that we remain on track to achieve them.”
Maini also expressed his gratitude towards the Race Support Team for their efforts in ensuring a smooth test run. Their hard work and dedication played a crucial role in the successful completion of the test, allowing Maini to tick everything off their checklist.
#Formula1 | Historic moment for India as #KushMaini Tests Formula 1 Car for BWT Alpine F1 Team
Maini becomes the fourth Indian to drive an F1 car.
Two-time World Champion Mika Haikkenen backs Maini for seat in F1. pic.twitter.com/4Juc1L5W0z— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 7, 2024
In a major boost for Maini, two-time World Champion Mika Haikkenen backed the Indian for a Formula 1 seat. Haikkenen stated, “Kush has had a successful first test with Alpine. He’s also had a very good start to his season in Formula 2. He’s growing with confidence as the season goes by. I believe he’s ready for Formula 1, should the right opportunity arise.”
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