Aston Martin Fields Rookies in Abu Dhabi FP1

Aston Martin Formula One Team will field two rookie drivers for the opening practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, marking the Formula 1 debut of Scottish Formula 2 competitor Cian Shields in Fernando Alonso's car and fulfilling the squad's mandatory rookie participation requirements for the 2025 season.

The session, set for Friday afternoon at Yas Marina Circuit, will see 20-year-old Shields take the wheel of the AMR25 chassis normally driven by the two-time world champion Alonso, while American Formula 2 driver Jak Crawford, who lies second in the F2 standings, substitutes for Lance Stroll in the team's second entry. This double rookie outing completes Aston Martin's obligation under updated regulations, which require each team to allocate two first practice sessions per car to drivers with limited prior grand prix experience, an increase from one such session in the previous year.

Shields, in his debut Formula 2 campaign after progressing from Formula 3, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to drive in FP1 with Aston Martin Aramco," he said. "I've learned so much working with the team this year, both in the...