Mahindra Racing announce Kush Maini and Théophile Naël for Madrid Rookie Test

Written by Lucrezia Marano, Edited by Grace Hobson

Mahindra Racing have become the latest outfit to confirm their driver line-up for the upcoming ABB FIA Formula E World Championship rookie test in Madrid. The Indian squad will field a blend of familiar continuity and fresh European talent, with Alpine Academy driver Kush Maini returning to the cockpit alongside French teenager Théophile Naël.

Credits: Formula E

The one-day test is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 22 March, at the Circuito de Madrid Jarama, following the conclusion of the inaugural Madrid E-Prix. It represents a crucial opportunity for teams to gather data on the GEN3 Evo machinery while evaluating the next generation of electric racing talent.

For Kush Maini, the Madrid outing marks a continuation of his burgeoning relationship with Mahindra. Having joined the Banbury-based outfit as a Reserve Driver in Season 10, the Indian ace has become an integral part of their development programme.

Maini is no stranger to the nuances of Formula E's unique power delivery and energy management. He has frequently impressed during his previous outings, most notably topping the timesheets during the 2025 Jeddah Rookie Free Practice.

While Maini brings experience, the other side of the garage will be occupied by one of the most exciting young prospects in the junior categories. At just 18 years old, Théophile Naël is set to make his Formula E debut, stepping into the GEN3 Evo for the first time.

Naël's rise through the ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. After securing the French Karting Championship in 2018, he transitioned to single-seaters with immediate success.

He dominated the F4 Spanish Championship before making headlines globally with a victory at the prestigious 2025 Macau Grand Prix. The Frenchman currently competes in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Campos Racing.

The test represents a steep learning curve, transitioning from the high-downforce, internal- combustion environment of F3 to the high-torque, street-circuit-focused world of Formula E.

Madrid Rookie Test - Line-ups

Porsche - Elia Weiss, Ayhancan Güven

Cupra Kiro - Bianca Bustamante

Envision Racing - Zak O'Sullivan, Ella Lloyd

Lola Yamaha ABT - Hugh Barter, Richard Verschoor

Jaguar - Juju Noda, Bryce Aron

DS Penske - Daniil Kvyat, Nikita Bedrin

Mahindra Racing - Kush Maini, Théophile Naël