Singapore, Indian driver Kush Maini will extend his association with the Alpine Formula 1 team to 2027 after not being able to secure a race seat following four roller-coaster seasons in Formula 2.
With Alpine retaining the duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto for the next Formula 1 season, Maini will have to be on the sidelines again.
“All the 4 tests have gone really well like they always have. The 26-year-old from Bengaluru is not ready to give up on the Formula 1 dream just yet and for that, he feels the relationship with Alpine will keep him race ready. It is not yet clear that in which capacity Maini would remain part of the Enstone-based team. “I feel a part of the team and they really like having me around and being on the simulator. So I’ll definitely be with Alpine in the future. Maini is also a reserve driver for Mahindra Racing in Formula E but the Indian team’s driver line-up is also decided for next season, leaving him with not many options.
Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the Singapore Grand Prix, Maini said Alpine has been pleased with his work on the track and simulator, helping him extend his relationship with the team. I feel like I’m a part of the family, it has been three years now and I do a lot of simulator work for them and I’m pretty sure our relationship will continue,” Maini said. Now it’s still not decided what role it would be but overall that’s where we are right now,” he said.
