Kush Maini secured his maiden Formula 2 win at the Hungarian GP after initial sprint race winner Richard Verschoor was disqualified. This is the Indian drivers’ fifth podium so far this season; he currently stands eighth overall in the championship, just three points behind Dennis Hauger (P7).
- Maini secures his fifth podium finish of 2024
- Currently P8 in the championship
- Verschoor disqualified due to technical infringement
Maini inherits Hungary F2 sprint win
The sprint race saw a mix of tyre strategies owing to the cooler temperatures. Maini started the race from P2 on hard tyres and held position into Turn 1. However, Kimi Antonelli – who was on softs – went around the outside at Turn 2 to move up to second place.
But the advantage of the soft tyre starters started fading away. On Lap 16, Antonelli ran wide after a lock-up, handing the lead to Verschoor, with Maini in tow.
Maini was unable to find a way past Verschoor, though, and had to settle for second place. However, several hours after the race, it was announced that Verschoor has been disqualified since the plank fitted to his car was found to be below the minimum thickness required.
This promoted Maini to P1, handing the Indian his first ever race win in F2. “That was a really exciting race with the pace of the guys on softs looking really good early on. Thankfully, the race came back to us towards the second half and from there, it was just about keeping your head,” said the Invicta Racing driver.
“I would’ve liked to take the fight to take the win on the road, but if you don’t have a tyre advantage it’s really tricky to make a move in Hungary. Still, getting my first F2 victory is a special moment in my career.”
Maini will start the feature race later today from ninth on the grid.
Also see:
“It’s an unreal experience”: Kush Maini on his first F1 test with Alpine