Overview
- Maini, Alpine’s Test and Reserve Driver for 2026, completed a two-day closed-door run at Zandvoort on Thursday, logging 193 laps and 822 km in an Alpine A521.
- The session was part of Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Cars program, which uses older cars to give drivers track time without drawing on current-season equipment.
- The 25-year-old said the outing was a confidence boost and that he aims to carry the feel of the F1 car into the Miami Formula 2 event next weekend.
- Alpine has retained Maini in the reserve role for the 2026 season, which typically mixes simulator work with select on-track tests and support duties.
- Republic World reported this was the first of several planned F1 outings for him this year and linked his rise to India’s Grand Prix hopes, which reflects commentary rather than confirmed plans.