We recently attended the Mahindra Creators Day event, where Mahindra had invited Kush Maini, the brand ambassador for its electric-origin SUVs. Fresh off a challenging F2 season, the Indian F2 driver spoke about heading into what could be his final F2 season, his recent experience testing Alpine’s F1 car, joining ART Grand Prix, driving the BE 6 Formula E Edition, and more on the sidelines of the event.
You’ve signed with ART Grand Prix, which played a key role in the racing careers of drivers like Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. What does this move mean for your F1 aspirations?
I think F2 is difficult. There are a lot of things that need to go right, which are out of your control. I think when I got into the F1 car (at the first Alpine test), it was really good. It went really well, and we surprised a lot of people on the team. I think the chance will come, and the place to do it is ART. They’ve won these championships before with many great drivers, and they know what it takes. They’ve had a few tough years, but I know they have what it takes to come back. I just want to show my real potential and show what I can do. I know I’ve been saying that, but it’s just how it is in F2 – you don’t know whether you’ll be P2 or P20.
How was your experience testing Alpine’s F1 car, and what was the biggest lesson you learnt that you’ll apply to your F2 season?
Honestly, I had a lot of self-doubt this year after F2, but as soon as I jumped into the F1 car and then the F2 post-season test, that confidence came back because I was super-fast straight away. It just shows that sometimes things are out of your control. The best I can do is work as hard as I can and be at my best next year, as it’s definitely my last shot. I’m surprised Alpine has given me so many chances, but again, the tests in the F1 car have been very good, so they want to keep me around. The F1 door is definitely still open, and I’m going to try to break through that.
How has former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen’s guidance shaped your driving?
Massive. It’s been a tough year, and the other day, he sent me a message before one of my races, telling me that change is nothing and that we know what you can do – because he’s been through it. He’s had his tough years, and he knows what racing is like. Talent doesn’t just go away; it just needs the right environment to shine. And that’s what you need to find in Formula 2.
You’re not only a full-time F2 driver for ART Grand Prix, but you’ve also been handling duties for Mahindra Racing as a reserve driver and a test driver as well. How will you juggle and manage both these responsibilities?
Both are world-level championships. So, any experience I can get at this level is a blessing. Every time Mahindra asks me to jump in the car, I take it with both hands because I learn so much every time. And I’m very lucky and glad I’m getting these experiences.
How was the experience for you today at the Mahindra Creators Day Event and being a brand ambassador for Mahindra?
It’s just nice to see so many car enthusiasts in one place and having fun. With this car (Mahindra BE 6 Formula E Edition), you can have a lot of fun. I’m really glad Mahindra called me out here. I’ve been a part of the Mahindra Racing family for a while now, so it’s nice to be a part of the Indian family, which is my original family as well. It’s nice to be home.
How important is it for more Indian car brands or brands in general to be active in motorsport to enable better recognition for the sport itself in India?
I think it’s massive. Mahindra is one of the biggest brands in India, but abroad, until Formula E came about and they started winning races, no one really knew it, which was shocking. Mahindra is doing super well in the world championship, and this is going to be a strong year for them, I feel. They’re slowly bringing that recognition.
What advice would you give to the future generation of motorsport drivers?
I would say: leave the ego at the door. For a long time, I had a big ego and was not willing to learn as much as I could. So, I would say take advice from everyone, listen to everyone and always be humble, because ego doesn’t get you anywhere, and I think that’s one of the biggest things I’ve had to overcome.