After Haupt Racing Team made the switch from Mercedes to Ford in 2025, Arjun Maini is back driving for the American car manufacture at the Nurburgring in the Mustang GT3 EVO. He is one of the few drivers from India, together with his brother Kush Maini, representing the high population country. Haupt, Ford and Maini are aiming high with their upgraded Mustang.
A Massive Nation, Yet Rare Racing Talent
The 28‑year‑old Indian driver started karting in 2010, but the inspiration to get into racing began with his father. “He used to be a hobby racecar driver, so I used to follow him to the track and I think that’s where I caught the bug.”
At first, he didn’t take karting that seriously. “Initially it was just for a little bit of fun,” he explains to GT REPORT. “Quite quickly it got serious.”
The switch to Europe was a completely different way of living. “It was quite a big culture shock coming from such a different background where karting, or motorsport in general, is not as big.”
The Ford driver comes from a country with 1.42 billion people, yet only a handful of them are racing drivers.
“I would say motorsport needs to become more famous for it to become bigger,” he explains when asked how India could produce more drivers. “To really take off, there needs to be a proper, fully Indian driver. And I think that’s when people will really get behind it.”
India has its own piece of motorsport history with the Buddh International Circuit, but the track last hosted Formula 1 in 2013 and MotoGP in 2023 as major international series. “Having a race there would be great, but also for other forms of motorsport.”
He feels that in India only Formula 1 is truly trending. “I would say Formula 1 is quite popular because of the Drive to Survive series.”
Because people in India only think about Formula 1, that’s exactly where the problem lies when it comes to producing more racing drivers. “I think if they looked at motorsport in general, at how much of a professional career you can have away from Formula 1. It’s a big risk and not everyone will reach it, but it’s possible to make a living out of it. I think when people realize that there is a chance, if you’re good enough, then that would change their mentality.”
He rounds off by saying. “It’s not a fair sport and I think it will never be. So many things need to come together for you to be able to pull out results. The main thing is to never give up. Make the right decisions. Listen to people that have done it before you and listen to their experiences. That’s the best atmosphere you can create for yourself to make it in professional racing.”
A Bold Switch, a Bigger Goal: Maini Targets N24 Success
Maini is driving the Nürburgring 24 Hours for Haupt Racing Team. Before 2025 they ran Mercedes machinery, and since last year they have switched to Ford. “It’s cool because I did it together with them as well. I was joined by Ford as a factory driver, and it’s been good to be on this journey,” the Haupt Racing driver says enthusiastically. But he admits there is always doubt. “It’s always a risk when you leave such a set system and a car that works in this. But again, for me and for the team, it was quite a cool challenge.
“To be given the opportunity to run such a cool car around Europe in amazing championship. We were stronger than expected, and I think we’re ready to build on that this year.”
It’s also the first year the Mustang GT3 is running the Evo package. “We don’t know where we will stack up. We’ve felt quite good in the car so far. Everything has been quite positive.”
“You definitely feel the aero gain. And of course, the driving behavior because of the kinematic changes.” He says about the upgrade. “Also the braking is better and the car is actually quite incredible. Hopefully we can put it to good use.”
Maini and Ford Haupt Racing Team have their targets set for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. “We’re just working on the final balances, and the weather is also going to play its part, but the target is a podium for sure. Let’s see how we can attack this!”
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