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Kush Maini, Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver, led the team’s presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driving the A523. He showcased Alpine models and represented India.
Kush Maini with his Alpine machine. (Picture credit: X @fia)
BWT Alpine Formula One Team Reserve Driver Kush Maini led the team’s presence on the opening day of the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, tackling the iconic Hill Climb in the podium-finishing A523—Alpine’s 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship challenger.
This event marked Kush’s second appearance at Goodwood, where he served as Alpine’s flagbearer, helping kick off the team’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Driving the A523, Kush headed a spectacular Alpine showcase up the hill, featuring the classic A110 Berlinette, the A110 R, the A290, the all-new A390, and the Alpenglow concept hypercar.
Currently competing in FIA Formula 2, Kush, as the reserve driver, was Alpine’s sole representative at Thursday’s Formula 1 demonstration alongside other F1 teams, as the festival celebrated 75 years of the sport.
In October of 2023, it was announced that Maini would join the Alpine Academy. He had his first-ever Formula One test at the Red Bull Ring, piloting the Alpine A522, an experience he described as “a dream come true.” Over the next half-year, Maini participated in additional tests with Alpine at Imola, Yas Marina, and Lusail. In March 2025, Maini was named one of the test and reserve drivers for Alpine for the 2025 season, along with Paul Aron, Franco Colapinto, and Ryō Hirakawa.
The A523, driven by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, secured fifth place in the 2023 FIA Formula One Constructors’ World Championship, achieving two impressive podiums in the Monaco and Dutch Grands Prix and third place in the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race. The 2023 car was adorned in the team’s 2025 livery with its striking blue and pink racing colours.
Due to his commitment to Mahindra Racing’s Formula E team at the Berlin Rookie Test, Kush’s appearance at the Festival of Speed was brief. Nevertheless, representing India at this iconic event, he continues to lead the country’s motorsport charge on global platforms.
“It was a pleasure to return to Goodwood after my first visit last year and help celebrate 75 years of Formula One and 70 years of Alpine. What a drive it was taking on the Hill Climb in the A523 after sampling the E20 last year. Goodwood is definitely an event for the fans and I loved seeing people come out in numbers,” Kush said.
With IANS Inputs
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West Sussex, England (UK)
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