Indian motorsport witnessed a monumental and emotional moment on May 24, 2025, as Kush Maini became the first Indian ever to win a Formula 2 race at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, and with it, the Indian national anthem played for the first time on the iconic Monte Carlo podium.
The 25-year-old from Bangalore, driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, showcased nerves of steel and absolute composure during the 30-lap Sprint Race, converting his reverse-grid pole position into a flawless, lights-to-flag victory. This triumph wasn’t just a personal milestone but a historic national achievement, stirring pride in every Indian heart as “Jana Gana Mana” echoed across the glamorous streets of Monaco.
Starting from pole due to qualifying 10th in the Feature Race, Maini withstood immense pressure from Alpine Academy rival Gabriele Minì, finishing a comfortable two seconds ahead, proving not just his pace, but his tactical maturity and racecraft. This marks his second Formula 2 career win, the first being a technicality-inherited victory at the 2024 Budapest Sprint Race. But this one—on the world’s most famous street circuit—was all his doing.
Born into a motorsport-savvy family in 2000, Maini is no stranger to racing. His brother Arjun Maini is also a professional racer, and his uncle, Chetan Maini, the founder of SUN Mobility, is the visionary behind India’s first electric car, the REVA. Currently, Kush is part of the Alpine Academy, serving as a reserve driver for Alpine F1 and Mahindra Formula E, and is mentored by none other than two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen.
After the race, a visibly moved Maini said,
“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.”
This victory has reignited hopes of an Indian return to the pinnacle of motorsport. In recent years, initiatives like the Indian Racing League and F4 Indian Championship have aimed to cultivate domestic talent. But Maini’s win, especially at a venue as elite as Monaco, is perhaps the strongest signal yet that India is ready for a serious motorsport resurgence.
Indian industrialist Anand Mahindra summed up the nation’s sentiment perfectly, stating,
“You are standing tall and the country stands tall with you.”
With this win, India’s wait for its next Formula 1 star might finally be over. Kush Maini’s breakthrough moment has not only broken barriers but opened the floodgates of ambition for countless young Indian racers dreaming of global glory.
