Formula 1
Kush Maini Joins Alpine F1 team as Test and Reserve Driver
Alpine F1 Team has announced Kush Maini as it’s Test and Reserve Driver for 2025.

After 13 long years, F1 finally has an Indian Driver involved in a role with a team. This makes Kush only the third Indian driver to have an active role with an F1 team, after Karun Chandhok and Narain Karthikeyan.
🇮🇳 | Indian drivers in Formula 1!
— Desi Racing Co (@DesiRacingco) March 12, 2025
After 13 years, India finally has a presence in Formula 1 again!
Kush Maini joins Alpine F1 Team as a Reserve Driver, becoming only the third Indian to be part of an F1 team after Narain Karthikeyan & Karun Chandhok. 💪🏻🇮🇳#F1 pic.twitter.com/TMuQJ3ypWr
Kush Maini’s Role for 2025
Kush Maini joined the Alpine Academy driver in October 2023 ahead of the 2024 season and has since competed in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, scoring five podiums including a victory in Hungary.
As Test and Reserve Driver, Kush’s duties will involve offering valuable support to the team’s car development and set-up objectives using the driver-in-loop simulator at Enstone, as well as participating in its TPC Programme aimed at improving skills at the wheel of a contemporary, modern Formula One car.
Kush will continue racing in Formula 2 for 2025, driving for DAMS with the season beginning on the Formula One support bill in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
“I am delighted to step up to the role of Test and Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine Formula One Team this season. Since joining the Alpine Academy ahead of last year, I have been incredibly welcomed in the entire Alpine family and I am thankful to Flavio and Oliver for their continued support. I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula One machinery in this role and to build on what I have already learned with the team in 2024. I’m very excited to begin the role as soon as possible but for now my focus is on my third season in Formula 2 kicking off this weekend in Australia.” said Kush Maini.
This makes Kush the 4th Reserve Driver Alpine has announced this year, apart from Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa.
“We are very happy to announce the expansion of Kush’s role in the Alpine Academy to include Test and Reserve Driver duties for the team this season. Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results,” – Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director

Realistically speaking, chances of Kush making a debut in F1 this year seem unlikely, as Alpine would prefer to give the chance to more experienced Franco Colapinto should an opportunity arise to use a reserve driver. But this should not take away any excitement this announcement brings, as this shows that Kush is on the right path in his career and the team is taking notice.
Kush Maini will enter his third Formula 2 campaign this year, and with a third different team as well. Kush has mentioned before how his second year in F2 didn’t go as planned and rightly so as he lost momentum because of things not in his control after having a brilliant start to the season. It will be important for Kush to have a strong third season, being one of the most experienced drivers on the F2 grid, the expectations are going to be very high for the 24-year-old Bengaluru boy.
Desi Racing Co is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Monaco GP: Norris Triumphs In The Principality
Lando Norris got his first ever win on the streets of Monaco, something he said is a “childhood dream come true”.

Lando Norris delivered a masterclass at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, securing a crucial win that reignites his title campaign. After a weekend that started on shaky footing, the McLaren driver produced what many are calling “the lap of a generation” to snatch pole position, smashing the all-time Monaco lap record in the process.
On race day, Norris maintained his lead off the line despite a bold challenge from local hero Charles Leclerc. From there, the Briton managed the race expertly until the closing stages, when an unconventional strategy by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen allowed Leclerc to close a previously six-second gap to within striking distance. At one point, the Ferrari was just 0.235 seconds behind, but Norris kept his cool and his lead.
With Verstappen finally pitting on the final lap, Norris had clear air to stretch his legs, setting the fastest lap of the race, nearly three seconds quicker than his pace while stuck behind the Red Bull. It was a statement win on one of Formula 1’s most prestigious stages.
Home Hero Just Misses Out on Repeat Glory
Charles Leclerc had high hopes of repeating his 2024 home triumph, especially after topping all three practice sessions. With Ferrari’s car well-suited to the unique demands of Monaco’s low-speed layout, expectations were sky-high. However, a second-place result in qualifying left him just shy of a clear view.
At lights out, Leclerc saw a glimmer of opportunity at Turn 1 but found the door closed by Norris. Despite closing the gap significantly late in the race, he ran out of laps to make a decisive move. It was a strong result, but not quite the fairytale finish the Monegasque fans were hoping for.
Embed from Getty ImagesVerstappen’s Gamble Falls Short
Max Verstappen’s P4 finish tells only part of his story. After being promoted to fourth on the grid following a penalty for Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman found himself leading several laps thanks to an aggressive long-run strategy. Slowing the leaders and hoping for a red flag, Verstappen attempted to steal victory through race interruption, but the miracle never came.
Still, a decent haul of points helps keep him within range in the championship battle. Meanwhile, teammate Yuki Tsunoda endured another torrid weekend. An early collision with Pierre Gasly dropped him to the back, and he eventually crossed the line in P17.

Racing Bulls Execute Perfect Team Strategy
Visa Cash App RB delivered a strategic masterpiece in Monaco. Rookie Isack Hadjar stunned the paddock with a career-best qualifying in P6, while teammate Liam Lawson lined up P9. In the race, Lawson played the ultimate team role, intentionally backing up the field to allow Hadjar a clean pit window and a shot at the front runners.
The result? P6 for Hadjar and P8 for Lawson, the pair’s best result in Formula 1 to date. Smart, calculated, and perfectly executed.

Williams Reaps Rewards for Tactical Play
Williams also benefited from strategic racing, with both cars finishing in the points, Alex Albon in P9 and Carlos Sainz in P10. In a move reminiscent of Racing Bulls, the team slowed the midfield train to manage tire life and track position. Mercedes was caught in this traffic jam, prompting an in-race apology text from Williams Team Principal James Vowles to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
The double points finish marked the team’s best Monaco result since 2005, a testament to the FW46’s growing consistency.
Mercedes Leave The Track Frustrated
Both the Mercedes Boys were involved in the Williams Train after a disappointing qualifying. In a hilarious event, George Russell overtook Alex Albon off track in the Nouvel Chicane. After sitting frustratedly behind a slow Williams for 70 laps, he received a Drive Through Penalty for the violation, and then, after the race, received a second Drive Through Penalty, which was added to his race time.
Antonelli had a similar scrappy weekend; a disappointing qualifying meant he was on the back foot. On Lap 1, he was embarrassingly done around the Hairpin section by the Sauber of Bortoleto, however, an attempt to overtake and regain his position ended badly for the Sauber after he was put into the wall.
A frustrating weekend in Monaco comes to an end.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 25, 2025
A race defined by team strategy under the new mandatory two-stop rules. pic.twitter.com/ZU227wl1YC
Race Results
The points scorers 👏#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/wEMiY0YETX
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
Standings
DRIVER STANDINGS AFTER EIGHT ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
Piastri's lead cut to three points 🤏
Hadjar into the top 10 💪#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/7iSFmqu6yL
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER MONACO
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2025
We're a third of the way through the season…#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/lt9rGJBaEA
F1 Heads To Éspana: Spanish Grand Prix
Formula 1 now heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the final leg of the triple-header. With its mix of high-speed corners and technical sectors, the Spanish Grand Prix promises to be another stern test for both driver and machine.
Norris rides the momentum of a breakthrough win, while teammate Piastri will be eager to reassert his authority in the title fight. Don’t miss what’s shaping up to be a thrilling European summer.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Monaco Grand Prix: Formula One’s Crown Jewel
Formula 1 makes it’s stop at Monaco for the second race of the intense triple header.

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic and prestigious races in Formula 1. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monte Carlo’s harbour and steep hillsides, this street circuit offers a thrilling blend of glamour, history, and high-stakes racing. The tight, twisty layout makes every lap a challenge, demanding absolute precision and focus from the drivers. With limited opportunities to overtake and no margin for error, success in Monaco isn’t just about speed, it’s about control, timing, and staying off the walls.
About The Track
The Circuit de Monaco is widely regarded as one of the most difficult tracks in Formula 1. It’s narrow, full of sharp corners, and features constant elevation changes. With virtually no long straights, it offers few chances for overtaking, making qualifying performance especially critical.
Drivers must navigate legendary sections like the Fairmont Hairpin, which is the tightest corner on the F1 calendar, the tunnel, and the high-speed Swimming Pool chicane. The track’s bumpy surface and unforgiving barriers leave no room for mistakes, testing the limits of both car and driver from start to finish.
(Credit – f1.com)
Pirelli’s Specifications
Precision, glamour, heritage. The #MonacoGP is more than just a race — it's the purest expression of @F1.
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) May 20, 2025
Discover what makes Monte Carlo truly unique from a tyre point of view.
👉 https://t.co/cJCnwjQy6P#Pirelli #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/gW5s15oBtn
For a second consecutive race, Pirelli has selected the three softest compounds from the 2025 range. As in Imola last week, the C4 will be the Hard, the C5 the Medium and the C6 the Soft, with the first two being the mandatory compounds for the race.
This weekend will see an important change to the regulations, specifically for this event only. During the race, two pit stops will be mandatory.
The aim of the FIA and F1 is to inject more excitement into a race that has often been very linear and predictable, as was very much the case last year.
Stories This Weekend
Monaco Curse
Charles Leclerc broke his home race curse by finally winning in Monaco last year, but it’s been a rocky road. From crashes in qualifying to mechanical failures on race day, the streets of Monte Carlo have not been kind to the Monegasque driver in the past.
Although Ferrari’s current performance doesn’t seem to match the pace of McLaren or Red Bull, Leclerc will be aiming to make the most of his local knowledge and qualifying prowess to put himself in a strong position.
In honour of its 75-year partnership with Shell, Ferrari has also made subtle livery changes this weekend.
Max As A Title Contender
Fresh off a commanding win in Imola, Max Verstappen is back in the title hunt. The reigning champion has been steadily chipping away at McLaren’s lead in the standings. A strong qualifying performance in Monaco, ideally a front-row start, will be key to maximising his chances on Sunday.
While Verstappen skipped a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie to focus on sim racing, his focus remains firmly on the track.
McLaren Special Livery
McLaren enters the Monaco weekend in strong form and will run a special livery, albeit with only slight changes to their signature papaya and black colour scheme. The team is targeting a front-row lockout in qualifying and looks poised to continue its run of strong performances.
F1 Movie Screening
A unique highlight ahead of the race weekend was a private screening of the upcoming F1 Movie starring Brad Pitt and produced by Lewis Hamilton. The film is expected to boost global interest in Formula 1. Most of the grid was in attendance, except for Verstappen, who chose to stay home for sim racing.
Lights. Camera. Action! 🎬 #F1TheMovie
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 21, 2025
Our drivers got to enjoy a private screening of @F1Movie in Monaco! 🍿#F1 pic.twitter.com/ffFaoTPnX4
Weekend Schedule
Weather Forecast
Friday: 23°C, Wind 13 km/h, 5% chance of rain
Saturday: 21°C, Wind 11 km/h, 25% chance of rain
Sunday: 23°C, Wind 11 km/h, 17% chance of rain.
The weather looks stable for the most part, allowing teams to collect consistent data throughout the sessions. If a surprise rain shower hits during qualifying or the race, it could shake up the grid in a big way.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Verstappen Stuns McLaren: Formula 1 At Imola

If the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was Imola’s swan song on the F1 calendar, the circuit made sure to remind everyone why it’s one of the sport’s most cherished and technical venues. From bold overtakes to strategic masterstrokes, this race had it all.
Verstappen’s Bold Opening Move Secures Victory
Max Verstappen once again demonstrated why he’s at the top of his game. Despite narrowly missing out on pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session, he made an audacious move into Turn 1 at the start, sweeping past pole-sitter Oscar Piastri and taking the lead by the end of the first lap.
From that moment on, Verstappen controlled the tempo of the race. Red Bull nailed the strategy calls under both the Virtual Safety Car and full Safety Car periods, allowing the Dutchman to maintain a comfortable gap to the McLarens and clinch a commanding win.

McLaren Double Podium: Norris Leads the Charge
McLaren came into Sunday with high hopes, having locked out P1 and P4 on the grid. While Piastri’s early loss of the lead set the tone for a challenging race, it was a mid-race shuffle and an untimely Safety Car that ultimately worked against the young Australian. He was overtaken by teammate Lando Norris, who had a strong recovery from P4, including a gutsy move into Turn 1 to grab second place.
In the end, Norris finished P2 and Piastri rounded out the podium in P3, a solid points haul that keeps McLaren firmly in the title fight.
Embed from Getty ImagesHappy Tifosi as Ferrari Charges Forward
The home crowd had plenty to cheer for, as Ferrari put on a show of grit and determination. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton started outside the top ten, P11 and P12 respectively, but clever strategy and racecraft saw them carve through the field.
Hamilton secured his best result for Ferrari to date with a P4 finish, while Leclerc climbed to P6 after some tight battles and smart tire management. Together, they gained a remarkable 13 positions during the Grand Prix, much to the delight of the passionate Tifosi.
Mercedes Struggles
Despite a strong qualifying performance by George Russell who started P3 thanks to an alternative tire strategy inspired by Aston Martin the race told a different story for Mercedes. Tire temperature issues plagued Russell’s pace, ultimately leaving him to finish in a disappointing P7.
For rookie Andrea Antonelli, the home race turned bittersweet. Knocked out in Q2, the young Italian was running competitively before a mechanical failure ended his race prematurely, dashing hopes of a memorable debut on home soil.
A disappointing end to our Imola weekend pic.twitter.com/Mt8a5DG97j
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 18, 2025
Williams Score Big
Williams Racing delivered one of their most competitive weekends in recent memory. Alex Albon qualified an impressive P7, and his stellar race pace combined with timely strategy calls propelled him past Ferrari’s Leclerc to finish P5 securing 10 crucial points.
Teammate Carlos Sainz, starting P6, slipped two positions over the course of the race but still managed a respectable P8 finish. For a team that had zero points at this stage last season, it’s a monumental step forward.
Kicking off the triple-header in style 🤌#DrivenbyMyprotein pic.twitter.com/WhXENArgji
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 18, 2025
Race Results
RACE CLASSIFICATION (LAP 63/63)
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
P4 for Hamilton, his best race result for Ferrari so far 👏
Double points for Williams 💪#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/W4cuxhJR3s
Standings
DRIVER STANDINGS AFTER 7/24 ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
Verstappen closes the gap to the McLarens 👀#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/8LbqNQpecX
TEAM STANDINGS AFTER SEVEN ROUNDS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 18, 2025
➡️ Red Bull now just 16 points behind Mercedes
➡️ Williams hadn't scored a point this time last year #F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/3VgnFoyvsr
Monaco Awaits: The Jewel in F1’s Crown
Next up, the paddock heads to the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix. Known for its unforgiving barriers, tight corners, and emphasis on qualifying, it’s a venue where precision reigns supreme. With the title race heating up and multiple teams in contention, expect another enthralling chapter in what’s shaping up to be one of F1’s most competitive seasons in years.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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