Mentored by Mika Hakkinen will Kush Maini become India’s next Formula 1 driver?

The ART Grand Prix driver followed a dominant Sprint Race victory in Barcelona with a Feature Race podium at Silverstone. Those results have strengthened his case at a crucial stage of the season.

Maini also serves as Alpine’s Formula 1 reserve driver and holds a similar role with Mahindra Racing in Formula E. The question is whether he can now force the final door open.

More than a decade has passed since Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok represented India in Formula 1. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad has Indian heritage, but competes under a British licence.

That leaves Maini carrying the strongest direct hopes of an Indian return to the grid. Maini’s Barcelona victory underlined the discipline required to convert opportunity into a commanding result.

After taking the lead early, he controlled the race and finished more than seven seconds clear. Yet his focus remained on execution, not celebration.

Speaking to MansWorld India, Maini explained: “Honestly, once I got into the lead the focus was just on managing the race and staying consistent. It’s easy to get carried away when you’re out front but in those moments you’re thinking about tyre management, hitting your marks, and not making any mistakes.

“The gap was good, but in Formula 2 things can change very quickly, so I just kept my head down and concentrated on bringing it home," added Maini, whose Silverstone podium showed Barcelona was not an isolated breakthrough.

Maini has also benefited from working with two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen. The Finn’s influence has focused on patience, decision-making and surviving the difficult periods that define a season.

Maini said: “One of the biggest things I have learned from him is the importance of staying calm and patient especially during difficult moments in a season. He has also taught me a lot about racecraft, decision making under pressure and focusing on the process rather than getting caught up in results.”

That guidance could prove decisive if Alpine considers Maini for future Formula 1 opportunities. However, the Indian has not yet driven the team’s 2026 car and remains cautious about judging the new regulations: “I have not driven the 2026 car yet so it is still a bit early to give a proper opinion on it.”

Maini’s rise has also exposed the barriers facing young Indian drivers. Motorsport requires major financial backing from an early age, while India’s grassroots system and sponsorship base remain underdeveloped.

Maini left home young to access stronger karting competition abroad. He revealed: “Motorsport is an incredibly expensive sport and unlike some countries with a long racing tradition, the pathway and support system in India are still developing.”

Yet Maini sees progress. Indian flags are becoming more common at races across Europe, North America and the Middle East: “The growth of motorsport in India has been amazing. It motivates me to keep pushing and hopefully inspire the next generation of racers.”

Talk of a possible Indian Grand Prix return could also transform the sport’s visibility. Maini believes a home race would require world-class infrastructure and strong fan engagement.

For now, his route remains Formula 2. Wins, podiums and consistency will decide whether Alpine sees him as a genuine Formula 1 option.

Maini has momentum, experience around an F1 team and growing national support. The final step is also the hardest: proving he belongs on the grid. If he fly the flag for India at a Grand Prix one day remains to be seen. BUt so far he is ticking all the boxes, with a 'little' help from a legend.