Mahindra sees Maini as future Formula E driver, but winning comes before nationality: Bertrand
Mahindra Sees Maini as Future Formula E Star
Bharatmorningnews.com – Mahindra sees Maini as future Formula E talent, according to team principal Frederic Bertrand. The executive believes Kush Maini has what it takes to race in Formula E, though victory remains the team’s primary concern over nationality considerations.
Maini currently serves as Mahindra’s reserve driver while competing in Formula 2. His role includes development work and regular attendance at races to master Formula E’s unique demands. Despite his involvement, Maini missed out on a race seat during the 2025-26 season.
Building a Roadmap for Success
According to Bertrand, Maini remains a strong prospect within Mahindra’s plans. The team principal described him as a “definitive candidate” for future opportunities, provided he meets the performance benchmarks required to compete at the highest level.
“Kush is doing a very good job but he needs to choose at if he will make his career in Formula E or in Formula 1,” Bertrand explained to PTI before the Formula E season finale in London.
“For the moment, it’s important that he trains and gets the highest level of background he can get where he is.”
Results Over Representation
The Alpine Driver Academy member has been with Mahindra since Season 10. His testing work has earned recognition, including leading a rookie practice session in Jeddah last year.
However, Bertrand made clear that being Indian won’t automatically secure Maini a race position.
“It has never been a priority to choose a driver for his nationality. It has always been important to choose the best driver we can to make the global team win.”
“I didn’t look for someone wanting to be the star. I want the team to win. I want Mahindra to win the championship. This is the goal.”
Mahindra currently fields Formula E champion Nyck de Vries alongside Edoardo Mortara. Both drivers bring the experience needed as the team pushes toward the front of the grid.
“The driver will be the cherry on the cake. But for the moment the cake is more important than the cherry.”
Growing Through Experience
Maini’s reserve role involves more than just sitting on the sidelines. Bertrand revealed the 25-year-old is being actively involved in Formula E’s distinct challenges, which differ significantly from Formula 2 racing.
“He is part of the development. He is coming, for example, on many races where I want him to learn how we deal with Formula E.”
“Here you come and you have to deal with different topics like managing the efficiency of the car, managing the energy autonomy, managing the way you deal with a one-day event. So these are things that he is learning every time he comes.”
Mahindra’s Rising Form
Maini’s journey with Mahindra aligns with the team’s on-track resurgence. After a difficult period, Mahindra has become a regular podium contender, with Bertrand crediting changes in mindset, structure, and technical approach.
When Bertrand joined, he aimed to shift the team from mere participation to genuine belief in their potential to win.
“We slowly moved the mindset of participation to point scoring, to podium capacity and then now to win. And that has been the real journey,” he stated.
Mahindra’s progress has been particularly evident this season. Mortara has claimed four pole positions, equalling the Formula E record for most poles in a single campaign, while de Vries won at the Tokyo E-Prix recently.
The team now targets momentum at the London double-header, which wraps up both the 2025-26 season and the Gen3 era on August 15-16.
“The main thing right now is consistency. Consistency in the way we work, with the development side and with the performance,” Bertrand remarked.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Kush Maini get a Formula E race seat?
While no specific date has been announced, Bertrand indicated Maini remains a strong candidate for future race positions once he demonstrates the required performance level.
Is Mahindra prioritizing Maini for nationality reasons?
No. Bertrand emphasized that winning comes first, and nationality has never been a primary factor in driver selection decisions.
What is Maini currently doing with Mahindra?
Maini serves as the team’s reserve driver, participates in testing, attends races for development purposes, and gains experience in Formula E’s unique energy management challenges.
How is Mahindra performing in the 2025-26 Formula E season?
Mahindra has emerged as a consistent podium contender, with Mortara setting a record for pole positions in a single season and de Vries securing a victory in Tokyo.