The Audi Formula 1 Team has confirmed that Paul Aron will take part in FP1 for the team during the Spanish and Austrian Grands Prix.
Audi has confirmed the Estonian will make his debut for the team in Barcelona, replacing Nico Hulkenberg in Free Practice 1, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto in Free Practice 1 in Austria.
Aron has driven for the Hinwil-based team before under its Sauber guise, taking part in two sessions during the 2025 season.
Currently reserve driver for Alpine, Audi has said his participation in 2026 is both designed to aid Aron’s development, and contribute to the team’s programme.
Full statement from Audi
“Paul Aron is set to make two Free Practice appearances with Audi Revolut F1 Team this season, starting with this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, followed by a further outing at the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg at the end of the month.
“Having previously driven for the team in two different occasions in 2025, Paul will take over driving duties from team racers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, in Barcelona and in Spielberg respectively for the opening session of each race weekend, before returning to Alpine for the remainder of the events.
Paul’s outings at the wheel of the R26 align with the FIA regulations requiring each driver taking part in the Formula One World Championship to give up their seat twice per season to allow a young driver the opportunity to take part in practice sessions. These will provide further valuable track time for the young Estonian as he continues to build experience in Formula One machinery while contributing to the team’s on-track programme.”
Aron’s two outings will likely be scrutinised by those in the paddock, as he aims to place himself in the shop window for teams for a drive.
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