Kush Maini Becomes The First Indian To Win A Motorsport Race At Monaco
First Indian to Win At Monaco
In a landmark achievement for Indian motorsport, Kush Maini has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian driver to win a Formula 2 race at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix.
Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, Maini delivered a flawless performance in the Sprint Race, leading from start to finish on the challenging street circuit of Monte Carlo.
A Historic Victory on the Streets of Monaco
The Monaco Grand Prix is renowned for its narrow, winding streets and unforgiving barriers, making overtaking a formidable challenge. Maini's victory is particularly significant given the circuit's reputation and the pressure that comes with racing in such a prestigious event.
Starting from pole position, which he secured due to the reverse grid format after qualifying tenth for the Feature Race, Maini maintained his lead throughout the 30-lap Sprint Race. He fended off constant pressure from fellow Alpine Academy driver Gabriele Minì, showcasing remarkable composure and skill.
Despite facing challenges such as brake issues and front locking, Maini managed to keep Minì at bay, eventually finishing over two seconds ahead of his closest rival. His ability to handle the intense pressure and maintain consistency throughout the race was a testament to his driving prowess.
Emotional Triumph and National Pride
Following his victory, an emotional Maini expressed his elation, stating, "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."
The win resonated beyond the racing community, with prominent Indian industrialist Anand Mahindra taking to social media to congratulate Maini. He wrote that Maini was standing tall, and so was the country, praising him for making history.
Business tycoon Gautam Singhania, who was present at the race, also lauded Maini's achievement, highlighting the significance of hearing the Indian national anthem play at such an esteemed venue.
Maini's Ascendancy in Motorsport
Born on September 22, 2000, in Bangalore, Karnataka, Kush Maini has steadily climbed the ranks in the world of motorsport. He is part of the Alpine Academy and serves as a reserve driver for both Alpine's Formula One team and Mahindra Racing in Formula E.
Maini's journey through various racing series, including Formula 4, Formula Renault Eurocup, and FIA Formula 3, has been marked by consistent performances and a relentless drive to succeed.
His victory in Monaco not only marks a personal milestone but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring racers in India. It underscores the potential of Indian drivers on the global stage and the growing prominence of motorsport in the country.
Maini has demonstrated his capability to compete and triumph at the highest levels of racing. As he continues his journey in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, all eyes will be on his performance in the upcoming Feature Race and the rest of the season. His success in Monaco serves as a beacon of hope and a source of national pride, signalling a bright future for Indian motorsport.
Kush Maini is the son of Gautam Maini and grandson of SK Maini. The family has been in the automotive and aerospace parts manufacturing business for decades. The Maini family - through SK Maini and Gautam Maini (Kush's uncle) established the Maini Reva Electric car company, which was later acquired by Mahindra and renamed Mahindra Electric.