Paul Aron to drive for Alpine in Italian Grand Prix FP1 at Monza
Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron will return to the Formula 1 track for another Free Practice 1 session at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
The Estonian has already taken part in three practice sessions during the 2026 season. His first two appearances, in Barcelona and Austria, came with Audi under an agreement between the two teams. Aron then drove for Alpine in Hungary and will now pilot the A526 again in Monza, replacing Pierre Gasly for Friday’s opening practice session.
Aron to support Alpine simulator work
Aron faces a busy weekend at the Italian Grand Prix. After completing his FP1 run, he will return to Alpine’s Enstone base on Friday evening for simulator work, helping the team fine-tune the car’s set-up ahead of the rest of the weekend.
“I am looking forward to driving again in Free Practice 1 with the team this weekend,” said Aron. “I am grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel so soon.
“I was very pleased with my session in Budapest, and I hope to build on it this time around, particularly helping the team compare our latest upgrade package which I have driven in the simulator.
“It’s going to be a busy weekend for me as I’ll be on the simulator at Enstone on Friday night to further help the team fine tune the set-up before returning to the track on Saturday. I’ll give it my all to hopefully assist the team in having a successful weekend.”
Both Gasly and Franco Colapinto will also run Alpine’s latest upgrade package at Monza. The package was first introduced on Gasly’s car at the previous race in Zandvoort.
