Indian motorsport fans have a new hero to cheer for — Kush Maini has etched his name in the history books by securing a stunning victory in the 2025 F2 Monaco Sprint Race. Racing through the narrow, unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo, Maini delivered a masterclass in composure, strategy, and racecraft to take home his first win of the season. But this wasn’t just any win — it marked his maiden triumph with new team Dams and made him the first Indian driver to win at Monaco in Formula 2.
Let’s dive into this memorable race that could very well be the turning point in Maini’s F2 journey.
Pole to Podium: A Dream Start
The weekend began with Maini qualifying 10th for the Feature Race. This meant pole position for the reverse-grid Sprint Race — a golden opportunity he didn’t waste. As the lights went out, Maini got a clean launch and maintained the lead into Turn 1, a crucial move given Monaco’s reputation for limited overtaking opportunities.
From there, the pressure began to mount. Gabriele Mini, also part of the Alpine Academy, was constantly in his mirrors. But Maini remained unshaken, expertly defending his position lap after lap.
Mid-Race Drama: Safety Car Shakes Things Up
On Lap 12, the race took a dramatic turn. A crash involving Joshua Duerksen brought out the Safety Car, temporarily neutralizing the action. This gave Mini and the chasing pack a chance to reset, but Maini had other plans.
At the restart, Maini timed his getaway to perfection, quickly pulling out of DRS range and re-establishing control at the front. His experience and calmness under pressure were evident, especially on a circuit where a single error can be costly.
“I was struggling a bit with front locking, and one of my brakes fell asleep,” Maini later revealed. “So it wasn’t about going flat out, it was about being consistent and mistake-free.”
The Final Push: Victory at Last
With a controlled pace and sharp race management, Maini crossed the line 3.705 seconds ahead of Mini to claim the win. It was his second career Sprint Race win in F2 but arguably the most significant — coming after a rough start to the 2025 season and with a new team still finding its rhythm.
This was also a morale-boosting moment for Dams, as fellow teammate Jak Crawford finished 4th, giving the squad plenty to celebrate in Monte Carlo.
Maini’s Emotional Words: “Our Season Starts Today”
Speaking after the race, an emotional Maini shared just how much this win meant:
“Obviously, this is the Sprint Race; we all want to win the Feature, but it’s still a win in Monaco. As a young kid from India, playing F1 on a PlayStation, I never thought I’d be here and winning in the second tier. So, really grateful, grateful to the team as well.”
He went on to highlight how difficult the season had been so far, with multiple issues — both in and out of his control — affecting his performance. But he believes this win marks a fresh beginning.
“Our season starts today, and there’s still a long way to go. This is a positive note to take forward.”
What It Means for the Championship
With this win, Maini moves up to 13th place in the standings. While there’s still a significant gap of 54 points to current leader Alexander Dunne, the momentum is clearly shifting.
In a championship as tightly contested as F2, a single win can act as a springboard for future success. If Maini can carry this form into the upcoming rounds — especially the Feature Races — there’s every chance he could become a dark horse in the title battle.
F2 Monaco Sprint Race 2025 – Top 10 Finishers:
- Kush Maini – Dams
- Gabriele Mini – Prema Racing
- Luke Browning – Hitech TGR
- Jak Crawford – Dams
- Richard Verschoor – MP Motorsport
- Sebastian Montoya – Prema Racing
- Leonardo Fornaroli – Invicta Racing
- Arvid Lindblad – Campos Racing
- Alexander Dunne – Rodin Motorsport
- Ritomo Miyata – ART Grand Prix
Conclusion
Kush Maini’s victory at Monaco is more than just a checkered flag — it’s a statement. Against the odds, under intense pressure, and on one of the most challenging circuits in the world, he delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
This win proves Maini’s caliber and showcases that Indian talent continues to rise on global motorsport’s biggest stages. With renewed confidence, a supportive team, and the belief that the worst is behind him, Kush Maini’s F2 season is just getting started.
Stay tuned — this might be the first of many big wins for the Bengaluru boy in 2025