“In a sport measured in milliseconds, it only takes one win to become immortal.”
India’s First Formula 2 Winner Makes His Mark at Monaco
If you are even slightly tuned in to motorsports, there is a name you need to know, Kush Maini. This 24-year-old racer from Bangalore just carved out a piece of history by becoming the first Indian to ever win a Formula 2 race, and he did it at none other than the legendary Monaco Grand Prix in May 2025. One of the most glamorous and technically demanding circuits in the world, Monaco has long been a proving ground for future Formula 1 stars and Kush passed the test in style.
A Racer Born and Raised
Born on September 22, 2000, Kush hails from a family that lives and breathes racing. His elder brother, Arjun Maini, is also a professional driver, so it was only natural for Kush to hit the tracks early. He began karting in local circuits before setting his sights on the global stage.
His professional journey kicked off in 2016 with the Italian F4 Championship, a breeding ground for future F1 talent. From there, it was a determined climb competing in the Formula Renault Eurocup, BRDC British Formula 3, and FIA Formula 3. He even tested his mettle in the FIA World Endurance Championship, highlighting his versatility across racing formats.
The Breakthrough
In 2023, Kush made a life-changing decision to join Campos Racing in the FIA Formula 2, his very 2.0 racing series. It came to fruition in 2024 when Kush clinched his first podium finish at Invicta Racing, in Hungary during the Sprint Race which he executed spectacularly earning him the honour and attention from both, fans and the paddock alike. Although Kush did not win every race, all of them were instrumental in shaping his career.
Everything changed during the Monaco Grand Prix in the year 2025. Kush started on pole for the Sprint Race due to a reverse-grid start. He supported pole position throughout the circuit while managing enormous amounts of pressure and zero room for error. His incredible dominance, precision, and muscle control helped him clinch India’s first-ever F2 win.
Why Kush Maini’s Win Matters
India has seen talented racers like Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, and Arjun Maini make it to international circuits, but consistent, top-tier success has been elusive. Kush’s win at Monaco doesn’t just mark a milestone it signals that Indian drivers can compete and win on motorsport’s biggest stages.
For every aspiring racer back home, Kush’s journey is a powerful message: with the right support, relentless work, and self-belief, it’s possible to race and win against the best in the world.
