Kush Maini’s 2024 FIA Formula 2 season was a mixed one, characterized by moments of promise. However, he ultimately failed to make a significant impact on the championship. Competing for Invicta Racing, he secured five podium finishes and claimed his maiden F2 victory in the Budapest Sprint Race. However, his season was marked by inconsistency, resulting in a 13th-place finish with 74 points—far from contention for the top positions.
Although Invicta Racing secured the Constructors’ Championship, much of the success was attributed to Gabriel Bortoleto’s stronger performances. While Maini displayed moments of brilliance throughout the 2024 F2 season, maintaining a consistent upward trajectory proved challenging. Key races were frequently lost due to inconsistent race pace and subpar qualifying performances.
Impact of experience on drivers
While addressing the media, including Pit Debrief, Maini reflected on his past F2 experiences and expressed gratitude for the support received from the Alpine Academy.
“I think experience does play a big role, but also, even looking at my rookie season, pace-wise, rookies do tend to get up to speed quickly. At the end, it’s a car, and everyone in F2 is decently fast.”
He further stated that race management improves with experience, emphasizing that “a lot is learned through seasons and through mistakes.”
Great experience in the Formula E rookie test
During the special Rookie Free Practice session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Maini participated in testing for Mahindra Racing and delivered an impressive performance, leading the timesheets. Reflecting on the experience, he noted:
“You definitely learn a lot in terms of feedback and structure. So, no, I think it’s great to finish that and then come into F2. It definitely helps in the way you structure your feedback with your engineers and in understanding the work that goes in, as it’s a very professional championship. It definitely helps in that sense, but the car is very different to drive.”
Emphasizing the importance of adaptability, he added:
“But at the end, adapting is something we need to be really good at. And so, I mean, as long as it’s got four wheels, you know, it should be fine.”
Maini’s hopes for “growing” Indian motorsport
When asked about the state of Indian motorsport and his aspirations to compete in his home country, Kush Maini expressed his desire for an Indian Grand Prix:
“I would definitely love to have an Indian Grand Prix. I think it’s definitely growing, but a Grand Prix would really help the situation. Obviously, I’m doing my best to put India on the map in motorsport.”
Acknowledging the slow but steady growth of the sport in India, he continued:
“I just think it’s definitely growing. I mean, it never happens overnight, but we have such big potential. And, you know, we have hardcore fans—the ones who actually know and care, know a lot. But, obviously, compared to Europe, it’s still very much in the development stage. So I think a Grand Prix would really, really help. And I hope it happens.”
Maini grateful for support from Alpine Academy
Kush Maini also spoke about the crucial role played by the Alpine Academy in his development, particularly as he prepares for the upcoming F2 season:
“I think Alpine has always—this is probably my second full year with them. And apart from the F1 tests and everything, we spend a lot of time in the factory training, testing. We obviously have all the markers of the F1 drivers.”
He recognized the invaluable support system that has accompanied him throughout his motorsport journey. While he noted that performances are often judged solely on results, he acknowledged that those closest to him—his team, mentors, and inner circle—possess a deeper understanding of his growth and potential.
“They know your progress, and they see through things that maybe the outside world doesn’t see. And to have that and to keep having their support means that I’m doing something right. And definitely a big confidence booster for myself as well.”
