Audi will run Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron in two mandatory rookie practice sessions during the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Estonian is scheduled to drive at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix.
Audi announced that Aron will replace Nico Hulkenberg in the first practice session at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. Two weeks later he is set to take over from Gabriel Bortoleto at the Red Bull Ring during first practice for the Austrian Grand Prix. Aron finished third in the 2024 Formula 2 championship and previously tested for Audi when the team competed as Sauber in 2025. After completing the two sessions he will return to his reserve role at Alpine. In a statement Audi said the outings would give Aron valuable track time as he continues to build experience in Formula 1 machinery while contributing to the team’s on-track programme. Other rookies including Luke Browning and Leonardo Fornaroli are also due to appear at Barcelona.