Bengaluru: Falling in love with go-karting at the age of five, Arjun Maini has scorched the tracks with a single-minded focus. The teenager, who boasts of several accolades since an early age, became the first Indian to win in the GP3 Series after lifting his maiden GP3 title with Jenzer Motorsports in Barcelona last month.
The win was the cherry on top of a memorable week for Arjun, who had just been signed by F1 team Haas as a development driver. Coming from a family of racers, the Bengaluru lad has come a long way having set stride in the direction of Formula One, which is his ultimate dream.
Back home, Arjun opened up about his memorable win and his life in the paddock, before he heads off to Austria to hit the tracks again.
Excerpts:
On life after the GP3 win and Haas sign-up
It’s been pretty normal. Of course it’s a big boost to my confidence but my training continues to be normal. I’m approaching everyday as I usually do, trying to be better than I was the before, that’s how I strive to be.
On his interaction with the Haas team
We had our first meeting last year at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and I got signed just before my first weekend of the year. I was able to be in the garage during the session. Basically understand how the drivers work with the engineers and how the teams operate at the peak hours of motorsport. I’ve had small chats with (Kevin) Magnussen but not for long since they get quite busy in the weekends. That’s what’s important about this role. That’s what I want to take with me, all the experience I can to prepare me for what could be in the future.
From GP3 paddock to F1 paddock
It’s unbelievable. It’s hard to explain. When you walk from the GP3 paddock to the F1 paddock the difference in everything, the size, the glamour, it’s absolutely unbelievable. I’m not going to lie, it does feel a bit overwhelming initially, but when you get over, the racing is still the same. You still go out there to win.
Haas wants me to be completely focussed on what I’m doing now and that’s the GP3 series and that’s what I’m going to do. That is the 100% focus for this year. If the GP3 season goes well that opens up a lot of doors and opportunities. Results in GP3 will determine whether I get to drive the F1 car anytime soon.
On long term goals
I’m taking it as it comes, day by day. I just started doing really well now. We’re third in the championship in the GP3 and that’s how we want to continue, be in the top three-four in the GP3 championship. That’s what I’m looking forward to this year.
On Karun Chandhok’s influence
He started guiding me pretty much when I got into cars. It’s very important that someone like Karun is guiding me, he’s been there and he’s made it. He knows what I need to do and what not to do. And that’s what’s great. It’s made it easier for me. And I’m really grateful for what Karun’s done. He started guiding me on-track initially but as time went on he’s backed off there and helps me more with off-track decisions.
New beginning for Indian motorsports
I think it’s on the rise. If you see the new kids karting in the championships, you can see how impressive it looks already. I am happy to show the way along with Jehan (Daruvala), to try and make it to the top. Along with my brother (Kush), he’s doing a good job as well.
Lucky to have step-by-step graduation
I am very lucky at the position I am in right now. I’ve had superb support from JK Tyre from a young age, with Haas F1 team now. Family support has been absolutely incredible from the beginning and support from Karun (Chandhok) as well. Everything is pointing in the right direction and I’m much more prepared than Karun and Narain (Karthikeyan) were at this time.
