Austria, August 29: Indian racer Kush Maini has successfully completed another Formula 1 testing program with the BWT Alpine F1 Team. This two-day test took place at the renowned Red Bull Ring circuit in Austria, where he completed nearly 200 laps, covering approximately 850 kilometers.
This recent experience as a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team follows his previous test in Zandvoort. It has boosted his morale ahead of his return to the FIA Formula 2 series in Monza after the summer break.
Maini began the testing program with the Test Previous Car (TPC) machine, completing 82 laps on the first day amid changing weather conditions. The Indian driver utilized wet, intermediate, and soft tires, as the track was wet in the morning but dried out as the day progressed. On the second day, he continued with a 2025-specification car, the same one he drove during the official ‘Young Driver Test’ in Abu Dhabi last December.
The dry weather allowed for more driving, enabling Kush Maini to cover over 500 kilometers on the second day. In total, he completed approximately 850 kilometers during the two-day test. This test is part of Alpine’s ‘Young Driver Program,’ where Maini is gaining experience driving a Formula 1 car as a member of the Alpine Academy.
This experience with the 2026 F1 car comes at a crucial time for Maini’s Formula 2 campaign. Currently, he is sixth in the FIA Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship, having achieved two podium finishes in his last three races.
Due to this impressive form, Maini remains in contention for the best championship finish by an Indian driver in this category. The recent F1 test has proven to be a significant preparation and confidence-building experience ahead of the season’s resumption. Maini will return to competitive racing in Monza, where he will continue his challenge in the Formula 2 Championship.
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