Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron will make his official Formula 1 practice debut for rival team Kick Sauber, taking over Nico Hulkenberg’s car in FP1 at Silverstone and Hungary. This deal allows Sauber to satisfy the mandated four practice sessions for inexperienced drivers, building on Gabriel Bortoleto’s earlier outings.
Aron, who finished third in Formula 2 last season, has tested Alpine F1 machinery multiple times. He was previously a Mercedes junior, dropped in 2023 after a third-place finish in Formula 3. The move highlights Alpine's deep talent pool and willingness to loan out drivers, even after restructuring their reserve roster earlier this season, including sending Ryo Hirakawa to Haas. For Sauber, securing Aron ensures they meet regulations, giving them crucial track time without relying solely on their own junior talent. This arrangement gives Aron valuable F1 experience, vital as the silly season ramps up.
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