Kush Maini hit the track for the Formula E Madrid E-Prix Rookie Test with Mahindra Racing, finishing 3rd fastest with a best time of 1:29.330, just 0.114 seconds off the leading time.
The Indian racing driver has already received several opportunities to drive the GEN3 Evo car since joining Mahindra Racing in 2023 as their official Reserve Driver for Season 10, and now again for Season 12. Moreover, alongside his FE duties, Maini is competing in his fourth FIA Formula 2 campaign after joining his fourth different F2 team, ART Grand Prix.
The challenges of Circuito del Jarama
Following the 2026 Madrid E-Prix Rookie Test, Pit Debrief spoke to Maini in the media pen about his experience in Formula E.
Hence, asked about how it felt to drive around the 3.934km Circuito del Jarama, which features 14 turns and elevation changes, Maini said:
“It’s a different challenge, you know, very high speed. I’m not used to driving these cars at such high speed corners with a lot of oscillation. The challenge was definitely interesting. And it’s just amazing to see what Mahindra have done with the car,” he added, with Mahindra Racing having already secured an impressive 85 championship points this season.
“You know, you can see they’re fighting in the top all the time now and their car is very strong. And it goes to show all the work they’ve put in behind the scenes. And it’s a pleasure to be a part of that group.”
Rotating Formula E and Formula 2
Balancing his role with Mahindra Racing in FE alongside being a full-time F2 driver, Maini briefly explained to Pit Debrief the challenges of switching between the two very different championships.
“Honestly, it’s quite like a disconnect. I honestly go in here with like a completely new slate, a clean slate. When I jump back, it’s again like completely disconnect again. So it’s its own challenges,” he said.
“In the end, it’s four wheels and it’s really fun to drive. And in the end, it’s a world level championship. And I really enjoy that. I think each challenge has its own perks. And I always enjoy coming into here and driving this.”
With the unique FE layout and the demanding GEN3 Evo cars in mind, when asked about how Formula E has helped him grow as a driver, Maini said:
“Massively. I think the engineering level is very high. The feedback required is very precise. A lot of things can be happening in the background with the systems, and you’ve got to understand what’s happening and give the right feedback. And I think even driving-wise, pushing to the limit on a car that doesn’t feel the most comfortable in high speed is great for us. And I always feel improved after I finish an FE test.”
Maini aims for the 2026 F2 title
Although Maini has consistently received opportunities in Formula E, he highlighted that Formula 1 still remains his ultimate goal. Consequently, heading into his fourth Formula 2 season, though once again, with a new team, Maini shared that he feels confident in his ability to challenge for the 2026 F2 title.
“F2 is a strange one. I’ve always said this. The thing is, last year I did the Formula 1 test, which went really, really well. Brought my confidence back a bit,” he said, looking back at the 2025 F1 post-season Young Driver Test he participated in with Alpine in Abu Dhabi.
“F2 is a tough nut to crack,” he continued in detail. “But the fact that I’m doing it again with all the support I have really feels like I can win the championship. And it’s just a matter of putting things together. And hopefully that’s the year. But yeah, that’s why I’m still here and F1 is still the goal right now.”
Lastly, when asked if his goal for the rest of the season is to win the championship, Maini told Pit Debrief: “Yeah, for sure.”
