India's Kush Maini dominates Barcelona Sprint Race for first Formula 2 win of 2026 season

Indian racing driver Kush Maini delivered a dominant performance to win the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race in Barcelona, surging past polesitter Noel Leon at the start and never looking back.

The ART Grand Prix driver, who is also part of the Alpine Academy, controlled the race from the front, expertly managing his tyres and crossing the finish line more than seven seconds clear of the field.

Maini leaves behind championship leader Minì

Championship leader Gabriele Minì produced a standout recovery drive to secure second place. Starting seventh on the grid, the MP Motorsport driver carved his way through the pack with a series of decisive moves before battling title rival Nikola Tsolov in the closing laps.

Minì eventually claimed P2 with a bold move into Turn 1, making slight contact with Tsolov as the pair fought for position. The Bulgarian settled for third after an aggressive opening lap had already helped him climb from fifth on the grid.

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Tsolov looked set to finish second before Colton Herta charged through the field after an early setback. However, the American's podium hopes vanished on the final lap when he locked up into Turn 5 and slid through the gravel.

The costly error dropped Herta to fifth at the flag and promoted Noel Leon to fourth place. The result also helped the Mexican move up to third in the Formula 2 drivers' standings.

Indians celebrate Kush Maini's win

Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for Kush Maini as Indians shared the videos of him on the podium.

"Kush Maini. After almost a year, the Indian National Anthem echoes from the podium once more. 3rd F2 Sprint Race win for Kush Maini, what a moment," a fan wrote on X (Formerly Twitter) while sharing the video.

Another fan said: "feels so amazing to hear national anthem. what a race kush!"

This is 25-year-old Maini's third F2 victory. After sustained good performances in F2, Maini will now hope for a place on the Formula 1 grid.