Austria, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian racer Kush Maini has completed a two-day Formula 1 testing programme with BWT Alpine F1 Team at Austria’s Red Bull Ring, logging around 200 laps and approximately 850 kilometres as he prepares to return to FIA Formula 2 action at Monza following the summer break.
The latest test marked Maini’s second recent outing in Alpine’s Formula 1 machinery after his earlier programme at Zandvoort. The 25-year-old serves as Alpine’s Reserve Driver and is also part of the Alpine Academy.
Maini began the Austrian test in a TPC (Testing Previous Car) machine, completing 82 laps on the opening day as weather conditions changed throughout the session. He ran on wet, intermediate and soft tyres as the track progressed from wet conditions in the morning to a drier surface later in the day.
The second day saw Maini switch to Alpine’s 2025-specification car, the same machinery he drove during the official Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi last December.
With dry conditions allowing longer runs, he covered more than 500 kilometres on the second day, taking his overall distance across the two-day programme to about 850 kilometres.
The test is part of Alpine’s young driver development programme and gives Maini further experience of Formula 1 machinery while supporting his progression within the team’s academy structure.
The outing also comes as Maini builds momentum in his Formula 2 campaign. He currently occupies sixth place in the FIA Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship and has secured two podium finishes in his last three races.
That recent form has kept the Indian driver in contention for what could become the best championship finish by an Indian racer in the category. The additional Formula 1 mileage is expected to provide valuable preparation ahead of the next phase of his F2 campaign.
Maini will resume his Formula 2 season at Monza, where he will continue his championship challenge.
“Always unreal to get behind a F1 car, no matter how many times it’s been. We maximised the run plan and gained loads of mileage and experience,” Maini said.
“I’m hoping the data & performance from this test helps the team move forward in their championship campaign in 2026. Massive thanks to BWT Alpine F1 team for yet another F1 testing opportunity and I am really looking forward to resuming my F2 championship challenge in Monza,” he added.
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