Narain Karthikeyan to Kush Maini to Force India, Complete Guide to India's History at F1

India’s presence in Formula 1 has been sporadic but significant. With Kush Maini being announced as BWT Alpine’s Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season, he becomes the latest Indian to be associated with F1.

This development places him alongside Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok in the elite list of Indian drivers who have made it to the pinnacle of motorsport. Let's dive into the details of India's history at the grandest motorsporting event.

Narain Karthikeyan: India’s First Formula 1 Driver

Narain Karthikeyan made history in 2005 when he became the first Indian to compete in Formula 1. Racing for Jordan, Karthikeyan demonstrated his potential, even securing a fourth-place finish in a chaotic United States Grand Prix that year.

After his initial stint in F1, he took on a testing role with Williams before returning to the grid with HRT in 2011. Though he never had a competitive car, his presence helped put Indian motorsport on the global map. Karthikeyan later moved to other racing formats, including endurance racing and Super Formula..

Karun Chandhok: The Second Indian in F1

Karun Chandhok followed in Karthikeyan's footsteps, making his Formula 1 debut with the HRT team in 2010. Despite an underwhelming car, Chandhok showed glimpses of his racing prowess. He later became a test driver for Team Lotus in 2011 and competed in a few races that season.

Though his F1 career was short-lived, he transitioned into sports car racing and became one of the most respected analysts in the motorsport industry, offering expert insights as a broadcaster and commentator.

Kush Maini: India’s Newest F1 Hope

Kush Maini became the latest Indian to join the ranks of Formula 1 when Alpine announced his appointment as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season. The 24-year-old, who had been part of the Alpine Academy since 2023, has been making waves in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, securing multiple podium finishes, including a victory in Hungary.

His role at Alpine will involve assisting in car development, participating in simulator sessions, and gaining track experience in a contemporary F1 car. While continuing his Formula 2 campaign with DAMS, Maini's inclusion marks a significant step forward for Indian representation in Formula 1.

Jehan Daruvala: Still Chasing the Dream

Jehan Daruvala has long been considered India's best chance at securing a full-time F1 seat in the modern era. A product of the Red Bull Junior Team, Daruvala competed in Formula 2, earning multiple race wins and podiums. Despite his strong performances, he has yet to break into Formula 1 as a full-time driver.

However, his role as a reserve and development driver for various teams, including McLaren kept his hopes alive for a future opportunity on the grid but at the start of 2023, Daruvala was released from the Red Bull Junior Team roster after three years. He then moved to Formula E with Maserati MSG Racing but his stint lasted a year.

Force India: India's legacy in F1

Beyond drivers, India had a strong presence in Formula 1 through the Force India team. Founded in 2007 by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya and Dutch entrepreneur Michiel Mol, Force India competed from 2008 to 2018.

The team gained a reputation for punching above its weight, securing podium finishes with drivers like Sergio Pérez and Nico Hülkenberg. However, financial difficulties led to its rebranding as Racing Point and later Aston Martin. The legacy of Force India remains a proud chapter in India's F1 history.

Other Indians in F1

Apart from drivers, several Indians have contributed to the sport in various capacities:

• Ravin Jain: An Oxford-educated strategist, Jain was appointed Ferrari's Head of Strategy, playing a key role in race-day decision-making.
• Sarvesh Yechury: Worked as a Vehicle Science Trackside Support Engineer for Force India.
• Rithvik Dhananjay: Currently serving as a strategy engineer for Alfa Romeo, contributing to race strategies for drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.

With Kush Maini's inclusion at Alpine, India now has another driver taking steps towards the F1 grid. While the country still awaits a full-time driver since Karthikeyan and Chandhok, the presence of talents like Maini and Daruvala, along with strategic roles held by Indians in various F1 teams, indicates a growing influence. The dream of seeing an Indian driver consistently compete in Formula 1 remains alive, and the future again looks optimistic for Indian motorsport.