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Kush Maini took pole position for Formula 2‘s inaugural race in Miami — and the Indian’s second career pole-position in his F2 career so far.
Kush Maini secured pole position in F2’s inaugural race qualifying at Miami (F1 Media)
Kush Maini delivered when it mattered most, clinching just the second pole position of his FIA Formula 2 Championship career in a nail-biting qualifying session in Miami.
The ART Grand Prix driver clocked a 1:39.888 on his final lap to edge Rafael Camara by a razor-thin 0.033 seconds, with Martinius Stenshorne just 0.050s off the pace in third.
Despite being the most experienced driver currently on the F2 grid, the 25-year-old had only one previous pole, and that came under unusual circumstances in Saudi Arabia back in 2024 — when Ollie Bearman was called up to make his F1 debut with Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz, who was diagnosed with appendicitis.
This time, there were no caveats.
Finding Speed Early in Miami
With F2 racing at the Miami International Autodrome for the first time, the field entered largely in the dark. But Maini looked comfortable from the outset.
He finished second in practice, just 0.016s behind Colton Herta, and stayed consistently inside the top five throughout the 30-minute qualifying session before delivering when it counted.
Behind the top three, Alexander Dunne secured fourth, while Gabriele Mini completed the top five.
Building Toward F1
Maini joined ART Grand Prix, one of F2’s most successful teams, in December as he continues his push toward Formula 1.
Now in his fourth season in the series, he has already picked up two wins and seven podiums, including a standout victory in Monaco.
Before stepping up to F2, he finished runner-up in the 2020 British F3 Championship and also claimed a podium in FIA F3 in 2022.
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