Components 2 race winner Kush Maini has been added to Alpine Components 1 group’s reserve and check driver roster forward of the 2025 season.
Maini first joined Alpine’s younger driver programme on the finish of 2023 and has now been elevated to the identical standing as Franco Colapinto, Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron within the group’s expanded line-up.
The Indian driver will work on the group’s manufacturing facility at Enstone, supporting the automotive’s growth utilizing its driver-in-loop simulator.
He will even take part in Alpine’s TPC (testing of earlier automobiles) programme to build up additional mileage in F1.
The 24-year-old sampled older Alpine equipment on no fewer than 4 events in 2024, together with a check in Qatar the place his efficiency was straight evaluated towards race driver Pierre Gasly and new-for-2025 signing Jack Doohan.
He’ll dovetail his expanded Alpine F1 commitments with a 3rd season in F2, the place he has joined DAMS after a yr every with Campos and Invicta Racing.
“I’m delighted to step as much as the position of Take a look at and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Components One Workforce this season,” mentioned Maini.
“Since becoming a member of the Alpine Academy forward of final yr, I’ve been extremely welcomed in all the Alpine household and I’m grateful to Flavio and Oliver for his or her continued assist.
“I’m trying ahead to getting extra observe time in Components One equipment on this position and to construct on what I’ve already realized with the group in 2024. I’m very excited to start the position as quickly as potential however for now my focus is on my third season in Components 2 kicking off this weekend in Australia.”
Maini’s appointment comes amid uncertainty about Doohan’s future at Alpine, with the group understood to be unconvinced about his final potential in F1.
The signing of Colapinto, who impressed throughout a brief stint with Williams on the backend of 2024, has added credence to the declare that Alpine has a back-up plan in case Doohan’s early performances doesn’t meet its expectations.
Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director, mentioned: “We’re very glad to announce the enlargement of Kush’s position within the Alpine Academy to incorporate Take a look at and Reserve Driver duties for the group this season.
“Kush has impressed the group throughout his TPC performances and Components 2 outcomes while we’ve got been working with him and we anticipate he’ll proceed to take action in 2025.
“His wider position permits us to additional increase our pool of driving expertise who can present assist and useful resource to the entire group in the course of the busy season.”
