Mika Hakkinen has made a surprise appointment in F2 rookie Kush Maini under his leadership, with F1 as his main target.
Having formed a business/mentorship relationship with Valtteri Bottas some time ago, the two-time champion Hakkinen has now returned to a similar role and under his guidance has achieved F2 podiums with F1 as his main target. He is dealing with Maini.
The Finn watched over Maini, who moved to F2 with Campos this year after an F3 season with MP Motorsport. Hakkinen will not be a traditional driver coach, and will be more in the style of Mark Webber, who currently coaches Oscar Piastri.
“I have gained a lot of experience working with Valtteri Bottas and have seen how he develops and develops as a driver,” Hakkinen said. “Recently I have been following Kush and understanding his abilities and riding talent. It’s been a very interesting journey working together to develop him into a more professional racing driver.
“F1 is our goal, but we won’t forget the current situation in F2. I don’t think there’s a need to go into (technical guidance). These benefits are very important when coaching talented young drivers.
“I have been an ambassador for F1 since 1991 and I am also part of F1. This is a victory and I am committed to bringing this young rider to the right place at the right time. India is, of course, a huge and powerful country. I bring young Indian drivers into his F1 and help them bring these giant companies together and understand the opportunities that F1 can offer drivers.
“Of course, and vice versa. What can F1 experience and achieve in India?” I see only great success stories. India will become very powerful. And I want every Indian to know Khush Maini and I want everyone in India to support him. I want them to feel that he will be a winner in his F1.
“Of course, it takes a lot of effort and a lot of sacrifice.” Based on my experience in the world of motorsport, finding the right time, being on the right team and with the right partners. , you need to collaborate with the right people,” summarizes Hakkinen.
Furthermore, Arjun’s younger brother Maini is managed by Grid’s Guillaume Le Goff, who also manages Pierre Gasly, Nick de Vries, Frédéric Makowiecki, Patrick Pilet and Enzo Deligny. Masu. He will probably continue competing in his F2 in 2024.
“I’ve been watching Mika since I was little and I know everything he’s accomplished in this sport,” Maini said. “The fact that he thinks I can be in F1 shows that we’ve done the right thing over the last 15 years.” When Mika Hakkinen is behind you, it’s your turn. It’s a powerful weapon in your arsenal!
“I think my approach and the team’s approach will be more structured next year because of Mika. I have a coach who helps me manage my nutrition on the course and everything I experience on race weekends. Thanks to having a mental coach who takes care of me, I can concentrate on driving.
“Basically, Mika’s way of working is that everything is restricted to the extent that the driver only has one job. Mika is behind me and the whole team is cohesive and the race I think it’s a really exciting time for me now because I don’t have to worry about that anymore and I definitely feel like I’m not in the car yet.I feel like I’ve pretty much shown what I’m capable of. “I’m really looking forward to showing it next year,” Maini summed up.
