Kush Maini delivered a composed and historic performance to claim victory in the Formula 2 Monaco Sprint Race. Maini became the first Indian driver to win in Monaco.
Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, the Alpine Academy Driver was able to convert a reverse grid pole into a memorable win around the tight and twisting streets of the Monte Carlo.
“Yesterday’s [Friday] qualifier was intense. It was very close, so I was glad we were in the bubble to get reversed… This is the sprint race. We all want to win the Feature, but it’s still a win in Monaco.”
However, for Maini, this win was significant. The young driver who grew up playing Formula 1 on a PlayStation in India, it was a surreal moment that carried both personal and national significance.
“As a young kid from India playing F1 on the PlayStation, I never thought I’d be here, and I’d be winning in the second tier. So, grateful. Grateful to the team as well.”
A highlight in an already difficult season
The win in Monte Carlo was not only historic, but a breakout moment for DAMS and Maini. The pair have had a difficult start to their 2025 campaign. The Indian Driver has had a season of misfortune and inconsistency. Scoring only a single point in the Saudi Arabian Feature Race before yesterday.
Yet, this flawless performance at one of the most challenging tracks on the calendar could be the turning point needed from the team.
“We’ve had a very rocky start with a lot of things going wrong. Some in, some out, but our season starts today, and there’s still a long way to go for us. So, this is a positive note to take forward.”
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing out front for Maini. The DAMS driver faced sustained pressure from fellow Alpine Academy driver Gabriele Minì. The pair shared a very close battle throughout the entire race, with Minì continually staying within the DRS of Maini out front.
Despite a technical issue and mounting pressure, the Indian driver managed to keep his focus. Leading on a track where even the smallest mistakes are punished by the barriers.
“Yeah, I think I was just doing my race. I was struggling a bit with front locking. It was just not about going for the quickest lap for me this race. It was just about being consistent and not making mistakes, and controlling the race, which I feel we did. Obviously, Gabriele was very fast and it was nice to keep him behind though.”
Risk vs Reward in Monaco
When asked by Pit Debrief how he balances the urge to prove himself with the need for caution on a tight circuit like Monaco, Maini echoed the sentiments of his podium peers.
“This track is very special on Friday with low fuel, and when you go so close to the walls. And even today, you know, it’s such a narrow track that, you know, you miss your braking by like five metres in the second-last corner and you can easily be into the wall.”
Maini emphasised the need to be focused throughout the entire race. With one lapse in concentration prematurely ending your session in disaster.
“So, it does take a lot of focus, and you have to be intense and then on it the whole time, not by just being fast, but by avoiding mistakes because the walls are so close.”
Regardless of the risks and intense concentration needed to master the streets of Monaco, the feeling of crossing the line as a winner trumps it all, according to yesterday’s winner.
“It’s got its own perks and challenges, Monaco does, and it’s just a legendary track in itself. It’s my first time driving in clean air here, and it was really magical to do so. So, yeah, I had mixed feelings about Monaco until now, but driving alone, you know, I can just, you know, you know how special it is.”
A surreal moment for India
Maini’s win marked a milestone not just for his own career, but for Indian motorsport as a whole. The Country that has a dedicated Motorsport fan base often struggles with drivers making it to the European racing ladder. With limited infrastructure, funding, and racing opportunities in the country, Maini is carrying the hopes of a nation.
“I would say it was a dream come true, really, just to stand there with the flag behind me and the national anthem… It’s a big moment for our country as well. Obviously, racing is very scarce in India, and it’s very tough to get to this point.”
From a nation with only one full-time Formula 1 driver in its history and limited representation across junior single-seater categories, Maini’s success serves as both inspiration and proof of representation. His performance is likely to resonate with young karters and racing fans back home who rarely see themselves represented on European podiums.
“So, yeah, as a kid, you know, I dreamed about this, but you know, I’ve had my fair share of obstacles getting here and still a long way from going.”
