The weight of expectations sits lightly on Arjun Maini’s shoulders. The 17-year-old racer, who has a long list of incredible achievements in his fledgling career thus far, recently added another feather to his cap. Arjun gained a spot in Formula 3 - the first step towards competing in Formula 1 (F1). The Bengaluru teenager is four rounds into F3, and is currently in 13th place after recording points at Pau (France) and at the historic Monza circuit. Arjun is not keen on resting on his laurels. He is aware that there is some way to go before he achieves his ultimate goal - a driver’s spot in F1. “I’m not the person to look up to, unless I make it to F1,” he says.
Considering the arduous path to reach the pinnacle of motorsport, this grounded approach serves Arjun well. He realises that before he enters the glamorous world of F1, he must cross many necessary milestones. This F3 season, in particular, holds significance. Arjun drives for Van Amersfoort Racing, the team which Max Verstappen raced for last year. In what is sure to be a motivating factor for Arjun, Verstappen went on to become the youngest F1 driver in history. Maini spoke of his plans at a panel discussion organised by Youth Indians, a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), at a city hotel recently.
Describe your Formula 3 experience.
The fourth and fifth place finish in Pau, France (third round) was very pleasing. I gained a point in Monza (fourth round) as well, and these two races were the best moments of the season so far. But, I’m not satisfied with just getting points, I want to get podium finishes.
Verstappen’s path to F1 sets a good precedent for you.
Yes, it’s proven that F3 is almost a step below F1. Of course, you have the GP2 in the way. The drivers in F3 are very mature and have incredible speed. It is a very tough championship. You know that if you are to do well, you will make it to F1. It is great to know that I am in the series that Verstappen was in last year. And he has already proven his talent in F1. Many would agree that the F3 grid is more competitive now than last year. There are probably 12 to 15 drivers capable of getting on the podium. It is the toughest championship that I’ve ever driven in.
With Verstappen’s entry to F1, can we describe F3 as a feeder to F1?
You could call it a feeder, but I think Verstappen was an exception. He had an incredible amount of prior experience with the testing and everything else in F1. It is hidden from the cameras, but he already had three seasons worth of driving in an F1 car. I think it would be a good idea to go through GP2 to hone your skills further. GP2 better prepares a driver for the tough challenges in F1.
Are you then looking at competing in the GP2?
I need to focus on doing well now. If I can win races in F3, my plans will get a lot clearer. I have to get the most out of F3 first.
Are Indian drivers rated highly now in the European motorsport fraternity?
In my case, many people were impressed that an Indian was doing well so well in F4. They weren’t expecting it. It’s unfair to say that India does not have talent. Every racer here has talent, provided you build on it. You need to spend time in a kart the way I did, otherwise you won’t be good enough. You have to win, of course. Otherwise, you won’t be recognised in the international fraternity.
Have you worked on the technical and mechanical aspects of the car?
Yes I have, right from my time in the BMW series. I’ve devoted a lot of time to suspension geometry, engines and other aspects. It is very important for drivers to know the car, especially in F3, where you find incredibly tough competition between teams. You’re not going to win even if you are 0.2 seconds off the pace. You have to make sure that not only are you at your best, but the car under you performs at its best. It is very important to study the car, and then give feedback to the engineers. If the person who drives the car doesn’t give inputs, it becomes very difficult to improve the car’s performance. The team does have race data, but data doesn’t give you all the information you need. After we finish, the engineers give us a de-brief sheet, we break it down to each and every corner. It is a detailed process.
