Journey of Kush Maini into Formula 3 to his first race points

Kush Maini has extensive racing experience in regional F3 competitions. He finished second in the 2020 British F3 championship and went on to represent Mumbai Falcons in the 2021 F3 Asian Championship. The 21-year-old, who is sponsored by JK Tyre, will race at MP Motorsport with Alexander Smolyar and Caio Collet.

“I’m looking forward to my debut year in FIA F3 with MP Motorsport,” Maini remarked. “MP proved to be race winners in 2021, and they were the only FIA F3 team to have two rookies finish in the top ten in the final standings.” This demonstrates their capacity to mentor rookie drivers on their route to achieving well in the series right away. I can’t wait to get going for testing at first round at Bahrain!”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Kush to our FIA F3 squad,” MP Motorsport team principal Sander Dorsman said. Kush has excelled at regional F3 levels over the last few years, and now it’s time for him to move up to FIA F3. I’m confident he’ll get along with Alex and Caio, and we’ll do everything we can to help him shine during the championship’s nine race weekends.”

The 2022 Formula 3 season will serve as a support series for the Formula 1 season, with races scheduled on the same weekends.

After climbing up the karting ladder, Maini made his single-seaters debut in 2016, taking his first podium in the Italian F4 Championship. He then made the move to British F3 in 2019, finishing third overall that year. 2019 saw him switch to the Formula Renault Eurocup series (where he finished sixth), but he returned to British F3 in 2020, this time finishing as runners up.

After competing in the 2021 F3 Asian Championship alongside Jehan Daruvala, he also made his World Endurance Championship last year at the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

Of course, racing runs in the Maini family. Kush’s older brother is none other than Arjun Maini, who just recent signed with HRT for his second season in the DTM.

Kush Maini scored his maiden points in the FIA Formula 3 Championship on Sunday after finishing fifth in the Feature Race at Imola.

Maini’s weekend at the historic Imola track was plagued by changeable weather conditions during qualifying, which was interrupted by a red flag with five minutes remaining. The Omega-Seiki and JK Racing-sponsored driver qualified tenth.

On Saturday, Maini started third on the grid for the Sprint race and was involved in skirmishes in the top five until an unlucky drive-through penalty ruined his Sprint race, and the Indian finished 20th.

Due to a deluge on the eve of the race, however, Maini put in a determined push that saw him make up five positions to finish fifth and earn 10 points for his title. “I’m delighted we were able to finish the weekend on such a great note,” Maini added. “Fifth is a better picture of our ability, and I’m convinced we could have been in the top five in the Sprint Race if other variables had cooperated.”

“However, I’m satisfied with the result and grateful to MP Motorsport, as well as my sponsors J.K. Racing and Omega Seiki Mobility for their support.” The Formula 3 series will next take place in Barcelona.