Alpine to give Paul Aron first Grand Prix weekend outing at Monza

Alpine will hand reserve driver Paul Aron his first Grand Prix weekend outing for the team when he takes over Franco Colapinto's A525 in the opening free practice session at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Monza, the team confirmed on Wednesday. The 21 year old Estonian will run in Friday's opening 60 minute session as Alpine fulfils one of its mandatory rookie practice slots for the 2025 season.

Aron has already made two Formula 1 practice appearances this year, driving for Sauber at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, but this will be his first FP1 in Alpine machinery during a race weekend. He has driven Alpine cars in earlier test programmes, including Pirelli tyre testing at the Hungaroring, and has worked extensively in the Enstone simulator since joining as test and reserve driver late last year. Im looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A525 for my first Grand Prix weekend appearance with the team in Monza, Aron said, adding that he aimed to help set up the car for the whole weekend and make the session productive for the team.

Aron's outing will be one of at least two rookie FP1 opportunities at Monza. McLaren is set to field Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne in...