Alpine now has four reserve drivers with Kush Maini joining

Formula 2 driver Maini, 24, joins a list that includes Argentine Franco Colapinto, Estonian Paul Aron and Japan's Ryo Hirakawa.

Alpine now have twice as many reserves as race drivers, with Colapinto already having F1 race experience with Williams and widely seen as a future replacement for Australian rookie Jack Doohan.

The team said Maini would offer support by using the driver-in-loop simulator at the Enstone factory and taking part in the testing of previous cars (TPC) programme.

Maini said: "I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season.

"Since joining the Alpine Academy ahead of last year, I have been incredibly welcomed in the entire Alpine family and I am thankful to Flavio and Oliver for their continued support. I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula One machinery in this role and to build on what I have already learned with the team in 2024.

"I'm very excited to begin the role as soon as possible but for now my focus is on my third season in Formula 2 kicking off this weekend in Australia," the Indian driver concluded.

Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director, added: "We are very happy to announce the expansion of Kush's role in the Alpine Academy to include Test and Reserve Driver duties for the team this season.

"Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results whilst we have been working with him and we expect he will continue to do so in 2025.

"His wider role allows us to further expand our pool of driving talent who can provide support and resource to the whole team during the busy season," Rouse concluded.