Kush Maini Finished Third in Formula 2 Sprint Race

The Indian driver fought hard against Arthur Leclerc and came in third in the F2 sprint race in Melbourne. After holding off Arthur Leclerc, Kush Maini secured his first-ever FIA Formula 2 podium. The Indian driver, who finished 14th in Formula 3 last year, competes in his first season in the championship this year.

In Australia, Dennis Hauger triumphed in the sprint race ahead of Jak Crawford, with Maini completing the podium.

Australian GP Sprint Race: Kush Maini finished third

Mixed weather forced drivers to compete on a drying circuit during F2's inaugural race in Melbourne. Maini started on the reverse grid in third place after finishing eighth in qualifying.

Ralph Boschung and Enzo Fittipaldi collided during the reconnaissance lap, delaying the start of the race. Maini also spun, although he managed to return to his grid position. He maintained third place once the race started. On Lap 7, Charles Leclerc was closing in on him and almost managed to shove by Maini at Turn 10; the Indian driver reclaimed the lead in the following turn.

Due to a late-race Safety Car, the final two laps were a sprint to the finish line, and Maini maintained his position to place third.

Hauger eventually won the race from start to finish, making him the fifth F2 race winner this year and in the same number of races. Two rookies were on the podium after Crawford finished in second place.

It's a wonderful feeling. Since the beginning of the year, we have consistently placed in the top eight in qualifying and have been on the verge of the podium, added Maini, who will line up eighth for Sunday's main event.

Jehan finished 17th in the Australian Sprint

Jehan Daruvala won two consecutive podium spots in Saudi Arabia before leaving for Australia. In Melbourne, he was unable to duplicate that form. He started on the grid in position 12, but after a last-minute pit stop for wet tyres, he came in position 17.

He still can win some significant points in the main race. Witness the live race on F1 TV Pro on Sunday at 7:05 am in India.

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