Audi fields Alpine reserve Paul Aron in Barcelona FP1

Five Formula 1 teams will field young drivers during the first practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix this Friday, fulfilling a regulatory requirement while providing valuable track experience. Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron will participate for Audi, taking over Nico Hulkenberg's car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Audi confirmed Aron will also drive in the opening session at the Austrian Grand Prix later this month, replacing Gabriel Bortoleto.

Aron's participation highlights a strategic approach to the sport's mandate that each team run a young driver in four FP1 sessions per season, two per car. Barcelona, a circuit familiar to all regular drivers, is a traditional venue for teams to schedule these runs. Audi's choice of Aron is not a novelty; the Estonian driver previously completed FP1 sessions with the team in 2025 when it operated under the Sauber name. The team stated these appearances are designed to aid Aron's development and contribute to its on-track program.

Aron will be one of five confirmed young drivers on track Friday. Williams will run Luke Browning in place of Alex Albon. McLaren will give Leonardo Fornaroli his first official Formula 1 session,...