At the 2026 Formula 1 season opener held at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, Indian watch brand Rotoris marked a significant milestone by appearing on the Formula 1 grid for the first time. Alpine Academy driver and Formula 1 Reserve Driver Kush Maini was photographed wearing the Rotoris Astonia Sports Chronograph in Phantom Black during the race weekend, showcasing the brand’s presence in the global motorsport arena.
Design and Technology Influence from Motorsport
Rotoris launched internationally earlier in 2026, drawing inspiration from the precision and timing integral to motorsport. The Astonia chronograph, featured on Maini’s wrist, incorporates design elements such as a 42mm matte black stainless steel case, tachymetre bezel, and sapphire crystal glass, paired with a flexible FKM rubber strap. Powered by Seiko’s TMI VK63 meca-quartz movement, Rotoris’s proprietary Q-MATIC technology combines the accuracy of quartz with a sweeping chronograph hand, mimicking mechanical chronographs’ traditional pushers and tactile feedback.
Kush Maini’s Endorsement of Rotoris
Kush Maini, who competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with ART Grand Prix and serves as a Test and Reserve Driver for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, expressed a personal connection to the watch beyond its aesthetics:
“I connect with Astonia not just because of the aesthetics but a deeper connection. Time doesn’t define me. I define the time I have. Always moving, always building. I am Kush Maini, and I’m always becoming more.”
Maini also holds a reserve driver role with Mahindra Racing in Formula E, further cementing his prominence in the motorsport world.
Rotoris’ Founders and the Brand’s Vision
Founded by Aakash Anand, Prerna Gupta, Anant Narula, and Kunal Kapania, Rotoris has quickly gathered attention and funding, raising USD 3 million in seed capital from investors including Nikhil Kamath, Vivek Oberoi, Tanmay Bhatt, 100 Unicorns, and Venture Catalysts. Launched with an exclusive release of 2,100 numbered watches by invitation-only access, the brand aims to blend Indian design and engineering expertise with a global perspective.
Prerna Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Kush Maini and the Formula 1 platform:
“When we designed the Astonia, it was born from racing instruments. The tachymetre. The chronograph pushers. The precision of split-second measurement. Seeing it on the wrist of a racing driver at a Formula 1 circuit, at the opening race of the season, is a moment that brings the philosophy full circle. What makes this partnership meaningful is that Kush represents exactly what Rotoris stands for. A decade of discipline, climbing through every tier of motorsport, earning each step forward. For a young Indian watch brand to appear on the Formula 1 grid in its first year, on the wrist of one of India’s most promising racing drivers, signals something larger. It shows that Indian design and engineering can stand confidently on the global stage,”
The Growing Interest in Formula 1 Within India
The Rotoris debut at the Melbourne race weekend coincides with a rapidly increasing interest in Formula 1 across India. Younger audiences are particularly drawn to the sport, fascinated by the blend of speed, technology, and engineering excellence. This surge in popularity strengthens the impact of an Indian brand successfully entering the global racing environment, reinforcing the country’s growing footprint in international motorsports.
Significance of Rotoris on the Global Motorsport Stage
The entry of Rotoris onto the Formula 1 grid symbolizes more than just product placement—it highlights the rise of Indian innovation in precision engineering and luxury craftsmanship. The brand’s collaboration with a driver like Kush Maini, who embodies dedication and consistent progress through motorsport ranks, sends a message about emerging Indian talent and ambition on the world stage. Looking ahead, Rotoris’s presence at key racing events may inspire further partnerships, grow brand recognition, and encourage other Indian companies to pursue global motorsports engagement.
