Audi will call on Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron for two mandatory rookie practice sessions at the Formula 1 Barcelona and Austria Grand Prix.
Rookie restraint forces driver shuffle
Audi’s first substitution occurs in Catalunya, where Aron will take Nico Hulkenberg’s R26 during Friday’s first‑practice round. Two weeks later, he will replace Gabriel Bortoleto in Red Bull Ring’s first‑practice slot as the Austrian Grand Prix approaches.
Teams must field a rookie in two practice sessions per car over the 2026 season—Racing Bull is the only exception. The move aligns Audi with the season‑long mandate and keeps the Austrian driver‑quota satisfied.
Aron’s assignment follows a brief stint with Audi in 2025, when the team was still Sauber. The Estonian, who won the 2025 F2 title, currently doubles as an Alpine reserve, but his time with Audi will conclude before the Austrian Round, after which he will return to Alpine’s reserve duties.
Other rookies in the mix
Friday at Barcelona also features Williams’ Luke Browning driving a rookie‑level machine, while McLaren will see Leonardo Fornaroli on track for the first time in Formula 1, all under the rookie-only practice rule.
Audi’s statement confirmed that Aron’s two sessions would give him “valuable track time” and allow him to continue building experience in Formula 1 machinery as he contributes to the team’s on‑track programme.
Back to Alpine on the calendar
After covering both sessions, Aron will revert to his Alpine role, reinforcing the partnership that began with a test‑driver arrangement in 2025. Racing Bull’s exemption means it only needs to replace Liam Lawson, a requirement already met by team‑mate Arvid Lindblad.
With Aron’s track time secured, Audi’s rookie strategy strengthens its midfield ambitions while keeping the Alpine alliance intact.
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