Kush Maini Claims Maiden Formula 2 Victory

Kush Maini, aged 23, earned his first win in FIA's Formula 2 Championship, becoming the second Indian to do so. Inheriting the lead from a penalized competitor, Maini's triumph bolstered his standings. He shared his joy on social media, celebrating with his team and fans.

In a landmark achievement, Kush Maini clinched his maiden victory in the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) Formula 2 Championship on Sunday, becoming only the second Indian to claim such a feat. The 23-year-old driver earned his victory after Richard Verschoor was disqualified due to a technical infringement, according to a press release.

Maini's top podium finish translated to an addition of 10 points to his season tally. This impressive performance propelled him to surpass Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli in the Formula 2 Drivers Standings, securing P8 with a total of 66 points. Starting from ninth on the grid in Round 9 of the F2 Championship, Maini faced an initial setback as he lost a position to Prema racing driver Antonelli on the opening lap. Despite this, Maini showcased remarkable composure and skill, closing the gap and regaining P2 by Lap 17. He demonstrated exceptional prowess in handling the challenging Hungaroring circuit, fiercely defending his position in the final laps and ultimately benefitting from Verschoor's disqualification.

This victory marks Maini’s fifth podium of the season, including a race win, underscoring his status as a formidable competitor in the 2024 Formula 2 grid. Maini expressed gratitude and joy via Formula 2’s official Instagram handle, highlighting the relentless efforts of his team.

Maini's recent participation at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where he drove the iconic E20 Lotus, likely provided a confidence boost ahead of his Hungaroring success. Alongside his victory, fellow Alpine junior Victor Martins secured P2, while teammate Gabriel Bortoleto finished P16 due to Verschoor's disqualification. With the season in full swing, eyes will be on Maini to see if he can sustain this momentum and achieve further success.