Latest news with #KushMaini
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
F1 is my only goal, but I know time is limited, says Kush Maini
Kush Maini (PTI Photo) MUMBAI: "There are more bad days than good days in sports," says Kush Maini. That one line from the 24-year-old aptly sums up how difficult it is to survive in the world of motorsport. But just as he was struggling to find momentum in the 2025 Formula Two season, came the victory of his life—at Monaco, late last month. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! It wasn't the first win of his F2 career. The Bengaluru lad's maiden win came at the Hungaroring last year. But winning at Monaco—becoming the first Indian ever to do so—marked a major moment of pride. Currently in his third season in the F1 feeder series, Maini knows that building on the Monaco success is crucial to landing an F1 seat. "I haven't shown the kind of performance that warrants a seat in F1. I'm fast enough, I've won races, but you need to fight for championships," said Maini, who currently sits 11th in the standings with 21 points. To put that into context, Gabriel Bortoleto—Maini's teammate last season—won the 2024 championship and is now racing in F1 with Sauber. He knows the clock is ticking as he chases an F1 seat. "F1 is my only goal, but I know time is limited. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 4 måter å sjekke om du har råd til å pensjonere deg med 3 millioner kr Fisher Invest. Norden Undo If I had to put a timeframe, I'd say it has to happen within the next two years," said a hopeful Maini, who was promoted to Alpine F1 reserve driver at the start of the season. Virat Kohli's love for 'dhaba' food, priority for family & more | RCB bus driver shares stories Whenever Maini feels bogged down, he knows he has people in his corner to keep his spirits high. One of them is Gautam Singhania , chairman and managing director of Raymond, whose JK Racing has backed Maini for years. In fact, it was Singhania who convinced two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen to mentor the young racer. Maini's association with Hakkinen began just last year, but the Finnish legend has made a meaningful impact. "He's like my pillar. He's the guy who keeps pushing. He's a big reason I'm still so determined."
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Kush Maini on becoming first Indian to win F2 race at Monaco Grand Prix: ‘Proud to hear National Anthem play so loud'
Fresh off a groundbreaking victory at the Formula 2 Sprint Race in Monaco, Kush Maini is still processing what it all means—not just for him, but for Indian motorsport as a whole. In an exclusive post-race reflection, the 24-year-old opened up about the emotions behind the win, the national pride he felt, and the overwhelming reaction back home. 'It's an amazing feeling. Monaco is such an iconic circuit, and to have our national anthem play so loud across those streets—it was a dream come true," he told us. The moment marked a turning point in Kush's journey, not only as his first win with DAMS Lucas Oil but as a symbol of hope for a growing motorsport culture in India. A post shared by Kush Maini (@kushmainiofficial) 'It's been a massive boost in confidence. And the response online has been amazing. People are finally giving the sport the credit it deserves, and that means a lot,' Kush said. Despite being part of what he calls a 'small community of hardcore fans,' Kush admits he was taken aback by the wave of love and recognition that followed his win. 'I was shocked to see the reaction. Motorsport in India is growing but still not that big. And yet, after the win, the response has been unimaginable. I just want to thank everyone who's talked about this or shared the moment—it truly means a lot,' he said. For him, the win wasn't just personal—it was collective. He's quick to credit the people behind the scenes: the supporters, friends, and family who've stood by him through the highs and lows. During the national anthem, as the emotion of the moment sank in, Maini allowed himself a rare pause. 'I was closing my eyes in the middle of it. I just wanted to take it all in. You understand the importance of it—standing there in front of everyone,' he said. But despite the achievement, Kush remains grounded, with his sights still set on long-term goals. A familiar voice reminded him of that right after the race. 'My dad's always the one who says, 'Well done,' but I like to be the one to think that haven't achieved my goals yet, I still haven't achieved or performed on my full potential. This win tells me I'm on the right path, but there's still a long road ahead,' he ended.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Sound of Speed: Sting Energy®, a PepsiCo Energy Drink, Hits the Track with Formula 1®
World-Renowned DJ and Producer, Armin van Buuren discovers The Sound of Sting, joined by 2025 F2 Monaco Grand Prix winner Kush Maini and 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button — who confirms what fans across the globe are already hearing. PURCHASE, N.Y., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sting Energy®, a PepsiCo electrifying energy drink, has officially entered the fast-paced world of Formula 1® as its Official Energy Drink Partner. This official partnership, sparked by authentic fan curiosity even before the official reveal, began as a viral sound-driven moment and has since grown into a dynamic collaboration — racing from the track to screens worldwide. In a sport like Formula 1, where fans obsess over every detail, Sting Energy tapped into the most iconic and visceral element of the experience: sound. On May 23, 2025, world-renowned DJ and producer Armin van Buuren posted a video unveiling a surprising discovery – the sound of 'Stinggg' echoing through the roar of an F1 engine. While isolating audio layers from a race recording, Armin noticed an uncanny resemblance between the engine's pitch and the sonic builds in his music. The post piqued global curiosity, as fans, creators, and even F1 icons joined the conversation. And with that, Sting Energy surfaced. Not as a familiar face in Formula 1, but as a bold new force ready to make its mark. Joining the wave of excitement were Formula 1 legend Jenson Button and 2025 F2 Monaco Grand Prix winner Kush Maini, who amplified the moment with energized reactions – captivated by the sonic connection between Sting Energy and the roar of Formula 1. Their involvement added credibility to what many had dismissed as coincidence, showing it was something much more deliberate. Without any official announcement or clear branding, people started to wonder quietly: could Sting Energy have been part of Formula 1 all along? The frenzy reached its peak at the Monaco Grand Prix, where F1 fans and influencers from around the world were seen recording the races – reacting in real-time as Sting Energy's now unmistakable sonic signature revealed itself within the raw, high-octane roar of the track. Making the discovery, world renowned DJ and record producer, Armin van Buuren said, 'As a longtime F1 fan, I was revisiting some engine sounds in the studio when one frequency stood out, it almost sounded like 'Sting.' At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but the more I listened, the more melodic it became. It's a great reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – even a car racing down the track.' Jenson Button, 2009 F1 World Champion driver, added, 'I've spent my entire life around Formula 1 – from the garage to the podium, and everywhere in between – and I thought I'd experienced every nuance the sport had to offer. But, when Armin played that engine clip and pointed out what he heard, I was genuinely surprised. I played it back and... There it was. 'Sting.' Clear as day. It's strange, but also kind of brilliant – how something so familiar can hide in plain sight for so long. Once you hear it, you can't ignore it.' Commenting on the roar, Vandita Pandey, VP Marketing at PepsiCo, International Beverages, Energy, said, 'Sometimes the most powerful brand moments aren't manufactured – they're discovered. This wasn't just about launching a campaign; it was about listening to culture and amplifying what fans already felt. This partnership is more than regular sponsorship, it's sonic alignment. Sting Energy didn't just join Formula 1, it revealed it had always been there, embedded in the thrill, hidden in the sound; and now, the world knows. The brand officially takes its place on track with a future of vigorous fan experiences ahead.' Jonny Haworth, Director of Commercial Partnerships, Formula 1, said, 'Formula 1 has always been about more than just speed - it's about emotion, energy, and the sensory experience that comes with every race. This partnership with Sting Energy taps into that energy in a fresh, creative way. It's a celebration of the power of sound, and how culture and sport continue to collide in exciting new ways.' With this partnership, Sting Energy will now supercharge fan experiences across 21 races– through immersive brand experiences, co-branded products, on-pack promotions, and digital storytelling. Breaking away from the traditional sponsorship route, Sting Energy approached this collaboration in a way only it can – by tapping into the power of sound. In a sport where audio is emotion, physics, and adrenaline all at once, Sting Energy transformed a shared sensory experience into an unmissable brand moment. As part of the partnership, Sting Energy will now supercharge fan experiences across 21 races - through immersive brand activations, co-branded products, on-pack promotions, and digital storytelling. PepsiCo, today, announced the groundbreaking multi-year global partnership with Sting Energy as the Official Energy Drink of Formula 1. About PepsiCo: PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's®, Doritos®, Cheetos®, Gatorade®, Pepsi-Cola®, Mountain Dew®, Quaker®, and SodaStream®. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo. About Formula 1® Formula 1® racing began in 1950 and is the world's most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world's most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1® and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™. Formula 1® is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLVYK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock. The F1 logo, F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved. About Armin van Buuren Armin van Buuren has long been a global ambassador for electronic music. He currently has eight full-length artist albums to his name and continues to cultivate a massive worldwide following through his weekly A State of Trance radio show, event series and album series, reaching 44 million listeners from more than 80 different countries on a weekly basis. Armin van Buuren headlines tens to hundreds of shows per year at leading festivals and venues around the world, including Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas, New York), Ultra Music Festival (Miami), Lollapalooza (Chicago) and Tomorrowland (Belgium) plus residencies on Ibiza and in Las Vegas. Past summer alone, he reconnected with fans through over thirty shows, including the 'Feel Again' shows in the Ziggo Dome, Ultra Europe, Tomorrowland, Parookaville, Creamfields, Electric Zoo and his summer residencies at Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa. In June, he is releasing his long-waited ninth studio album, 'Breathe'. Amazon Music | Apple Music | Deezer | Discord | Facebook | Instagram | Resident Advisor | SoundCloud | Spotify | Twitch | X | YouTube Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PepsiCo
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Who is Kush Maini, the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race?
If you're even a little into motorsport, there's a name you should definitely keep an eye on—Kush Maini. This young driver from Bangalore just made headlines by becoming the first Indian ever to win a Formula 2 race, and he did it at none other than the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in May 2025. That's right—Monaco! One of the most prestigious and challenging circuits in the world. And now, this 24-year-old has etched his name into motorsport history. Kush was born on September 22, 2000, in Bangalore, into a family that lives and breathes racing. His older brother, Arjun Maini, is also a professional driver, so the motorsport bug bit early. It wasn't long before young Kush was karting around local tracks, already dreaming of Formula 1. Kush Maini's racing journey really took off back in 2016, when he jumped into the Italian F4 Championship, a popular launchpad for future F1 legends. From there, it was a steady grind up the motorsport ladder. He hustled through series like the Formula Renault Eurocup, BRDC British Formula 3, and then made it to FIA Formula 3. Oh, and just to mix things up, he even gave endurance racing a go in the FIA World Endurance Championship. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The guy's got range. Those years weren't always packed with trophies, but that's what made them so important. Every race, every lap, Kush was learning the ropes, sharpening his skills, and building the kind of grit you need to survive (and thrive) at the top. He may not have been grabbing headlines just yet, but he was absolutely laying the groundwork. Then came 2023, and things got real. Kush stepped up to FIA Formula 2, the last big stop before F1. He signed with Campos Racing and started showing glimpses of the racer he was becoming. But it wasn't until he moved to Invicta Racing that the stars really aligned. In 2024, he bagged his first podium finish with a Sprint Race win in Hungary—a moment that got fans, teams, and the media to sit up and pay attention. But the real showstopper came in May 2025, at the Monaco Grand Prix. Thanks to the reverse-grid setup, Kush started the Sprint Race from pole position—and man, did he deliver. Monaco is a beast of a track. The streets are tight, there's barely room to breathe, and one tiny mistake can end it all. But Kush? He kept it cool. Lap after lap, he stayed sharp, didn't put a wheel wrong, and crossed the finish line in first place. And just like that, he became the first Indian ever to win an F2 race. Why he matters for India India has had a few racers reach global stages: Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, and Kush's own brother, Arjun. But consistent top-level performance has been rare. Kush's win feels different. It's not just symbolic, it's competitive. His victory sends a powerful message to young Indian motorsport hopefuls: you can do this too. With the right backing, training, and grit, you can stand on podiums in Europe and beat the best in the world.
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- First Post
Kush Maini creates history in Monaco: How is Formula 2 different than Formula 1
Kush Maini made history over the weekend by winning the Formula 2 Sprint Race at the Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the first Indian driver to collect a win at the iconic street circuit in Monte Carlo. Here's how F2 differs from Formula 1, where the 24-year-old currently is a test driver with Alpine. read more Kush Maini made history over the weekend by pulling off a spectacular victory in the Formula 2 Sprint Race at the Monaco Grand Prix. The 24-year-old, who stormed to victory after starting from pole position, thus became the first Indian driver to collect a win at the iconic street circuit in Monte Carlo, located along the picturesque French Riviera. It certainly was a historic moment for Indian motorsport with Maini standing on top of the podium and the national anthem playing in the background at Circuit de Monaco, where business tycoon and automobile enthusiast Gautam Singhania was also among those present. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Maini, representing DAMS Lucas Oil, won the nerve-wracking 30-lap reverse-grid sprint race with a timing of 44:57.639, finishing 3.705 seconds ahead of Prema Racing's Gabriele Mini and 7.299 seconds ahead of Hitech TGR's Luke Browning. 'P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and a dream come true, really. We keep believing,' Maini said after collecting his second Formula 2 victory, having previously won the Feature Race in Jeddah last year. His victory comes two months after he had joined the Alpine team as their reserve driver for the ongoing Formula 1 season. And while his heroics in Monaco certainly fill Indian motorsport fans with hope, Maini still has some distance to cover before he can realise his dream of racing in the Formula 1, where Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok remain the only Indian drivers to have competed till date. How is Formula 2 different from Formula 1? Formula 1, after all, is the highest class of open-wheel, single-seater racing, and is considered by many as the pinnacle of motorsport (although American motorsport enthusiasts might want to bring NASCAR into the conversation). And comparing F2 with F1 would be akin to comparing the Championship with the Premier League in English club football. The top teams in the Championship are promoted to the Premier League at the end of a season. Similarly, while F1 is motorsports' equivalent of the top-flight, F2 serves mainly as a feeder series as well as a training ground for future Formula 1 stars. The vehicles might appear similar at a glance, but are different in more ways than one. While each constructor is responsible for building their own cars in F1, all cars in F2 have the same chassis (built by Italian race car manufacturer Dallara) and gearbox (Hewland). Additionally, an average F1 car (798kg) outweights its F2 counterpart (755kg). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And it goes without saying that the engines in F1 are a lot more powerful than in F2, given it is the top-tier after all. F1 engines have a horsepower of 1,000 while those in F2 have an upper limit of 620. This translates to faster cars in the higher category, with F1 cars reaching top speeds of 230mph (370 kmph) compared to 200mph (321 kmph) in F2. How the two categories differ in format and points distribution The two racing categories also differ in their formats. An F1 race comprises three practice sessions on Friday and Saturday followed by qualifying on Saturday and the main event on Sunday. Some events also have a sprint qualifying, which reduces the number of practice sessions to just one and establishes the starting field for Sunday's race. F2 race weekends, on the other hand, have a qualifying session on Friday that establishes the starting grid for Sunday's Feature Race. The Sprint Race that takes place on Saturday is a standalone event which features a reverse starting grid, wherein positions 1-10 for the main race are inverted, while positions 11-22 remain the same. And while F1 and F2 races typically take place at the same circuit, the former is a lot longer in terms of the number of laps. The points distribution is also the same for the top 10 drivers; F1, however, awards a point for the fastest lap for drivers finishing in the top 10 and eight points for the sprint winner. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD F2, meanwhile, awards a point for the fastest lap in the feature as well as sprint race, so long as the driver finishes in the top-10, and 10 points for the sprint race winner with the driver finishing runner-up collecting 8 and the one finishing third earning 6.
