On May 25, 2025, under the glittering skies of Monte Carlo, Kush Maini etched his name into motorsport history by clinching a spectacular victory in the Formula 2 Sprint Race at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix. This triumph marked a monumental moment for Indian motorsport, as Maini became the first Indian driver to win at the prestigious Circuit de Monaco, one of the most revered venues in global racing. His flawless performance not only showcased his talent but also ignited national pride, with the Indian national anthem resounding through the principality for the first time in this context.
Starting from pole position, earned through the reverse grid system after qualifying P10 for the Feature Race, Maini displayed remarkable precision and composure throughout the 30-lap Sprint Race. Representing DAMS Lucas Oil and serving as a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, the 24-year-old driver seized the lead from the moment the lights went out and maintained it with veteran-like maturity. His ability to navigate the tight, unforgiving streets of Monaco, known for punishing even the slightest errors, highlighted his skill and mental fortitude.
Maini’s victory was a lights-to-flag masterclass, as he managed intense pressure and challenging conditions to secure his first F2 win of the 2025 season and his maiden podium with DAMS. The win came at a critical juncture, boosting his confidence and momentum after a challenging start to the season, where he sat 17th in the championship standings following the Imola round.
Maini himself was visibly emotional during the podium celebrations, proudly singing the Indian national anthem. “P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It’s a great honour and a dream come true, really. I want to thank DAMS and everyone who’s supported me. We keep believing,” he said, reflecting on the significance of the moment.
Maini’s journey to this historic win has been one of perseverance and growth. Hailing from Bengaluru, he has been a rising star in Indian motorsport, following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. As a reserve driver for Alpine F1, Maini has been honing his skills in the ultra-competitive Formula 2 series, often seen as the final steppingstone to Formula 1. His victory in Monaco underscores his potential to one day compete at the pinnacle of motorsport, a dream shared by many Indian fans who hope to see an Indian driver back in F1.
Maini’s win comes at a time when Formula 1 and its feeder series are gaining global attention, with the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix itself making headlines for Lando Norris’s victory in the F1 race. Norris, driving for McLaren, secured his first Monaco win, fending off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and teammate Oscar Piastri in a strategic race shaped by a new mandatory two-pit-stop rule. While the F1 race drew global focus, Maini’s F2 triumph stole the spotlight for Indian fans, proving that the country’s drivers can compete with the best on the world’s most glamorous stage.
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the “jewel in the F1 crown,” is renowned for its prestige, glamour, and unforgiving track layout. Maini’s ability to conquer this circuit in F2 signals his potential to follow in the footsteps of legends like Ayrton Senna, who holds the record for most Monaco wins, and modern stars like Leclerc, who won in 2024.
Maini’s victory is a beacon of hope for Indian motorsport, inspiring a new generation of drivers and fans. As discussions continue about potentially reviving the Indian Grand Prix, his achievement could bolster efforts to bring Formula 1 back to India. For now, Maini remains focused on his F2 campaign, with the Monaco win providing a crucial boost as he aims to climb the championship standings.
As the motorsport world shifts its focus to the next race in the F1 and F2 calendars, Maini’s Monaco triumph will remain a defining moment. It’s a reminder that talent, determination, and a touch of magic can put India on the map in the high-stakes world of motorsport. For Kush Maini and his supporters, this is just the beginning of a dream that could one day see an Indian driver on the F1 podium.
