FIA regulations require each team to run a rookie in four FP1 sessions per season. With Gabriel Bortoleto already fulfilling half of Sauber’s rookie quota in one car, they needed a rookie to step in for Nico Hulkenberg. Lacking a reserve driver of their own, Sauber turned to Alpine, who agreed to loan Aron for the two sessions.
Aron will replace Hulkenberg in FP1 at both Silverstone and Budapest. After each session, he’ll return to Alpine for the remainder of the race weekend continuing his duties as reserve and simulator driver. He’s also scheduled to complete three additional FP1 sessions for Alpine later in the season.
This move gives Aron valuable track time in competitive machinery which is crucial for a driver not currently racing in Formula Two (F2) or Formula Three (F3). It also subtly positions him as a potential candidate for a future Alpine race seat, especially with Franco Colapinto under pressure to perform. It’s a win-win, Sauber meets its rookie obligations and Alpine sharpens its talent pipeline.
At just 21 years old, Aron has emerged as one of Alpine’s most promising prospects. After a strong campaign in F2, where he consistently battled at the front, Aron transitioned into a development heavy role with Alpine. His work has included extensive time in the driver in loop simulator contributing to both the 2025 and 2026 car programs. Participating in Alpine’s TPC program, logging six days in the 2023 spec A523. A debut in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test where he drive the A524shortly after being named Reserve Driver.
Aron’s first official FP1 session comes at the British Grand Prix, where he’ll driver for Kick Sauber under a rare inter-team agreement. He’ll replace Nico Hulkenberg for the session helping Sauber meet its FIA rookie participation requirement. Despite the loan, Aron remains Alpine’s reserve driver and will return to the team for the rest of the weekend. He’s also scheduled to complete three more FP1 sessions for Alpine later this season further embedding himself in the team’s long-term plans.
With Alpine undergoing a rebuilding phase, including a shift to Mercedes power units in 2026 and a renewed focus on youth. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore has emphasised the importance of giving young driver like Aron real world experience. In his words,”It is in our best interests to maximise any driving opportunities for our young talent,” especially as the team looks to reclaim competitiveness after a turbulent start to the season.
Alpine’s 2026 driver lineup remains unsettled with Franco Colapinto under pressure and Valtteri Bottas rumoured as a potential replacement. That uncertainty opens the door for Aron, whose FP1 performance with Sauber could serve as a live audition for a full time seat. If he impresses, especially in comparison to other rookies like Bortoleto or Alex Dunner – he could leapfrog into serious contention.
The deal with Sauber reflects Alpine’s adaptive approach to talent development. Rather than hoarding track time, they’ve loaned Aron to a rival team despite Sauber and Alpine being direct competitors in the Constructors’ standings. It’s a pragmatic move that helps Sauber meet its FIA rookie session obligations, gives Aron real world F1 mileage in competitive machinery and allows Alpine to evaluate him under pressure without disrupting their own race weekend flow.
Aron’s FP1 sessions at Silverstone and Budapest are more than regulatory box ticking, they’re a litmus test for his readiness. With no current race seat and limited competitive outings in 2025, these sessions are his best shot at proving he belongs on the 2026 grid. If Aron delivers clean, fast and technically insightful sessions, he could shift Alpine’s internal calculus and potentially disrupt the 2026 silly season.
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