Aron and Maini to be given latest F1 outings with Alpine in Abu Dhabi

Alpine test and reserve drivers Paul Aron and Kush Maini will both drive the A525 in Abu Dhabi as the 2025 season draws to a close, the team have announced.

Aron, who previously participated in Free Practice 1 sessions for Alpine at this year’s Italian and Mexico City Grands Prix, will get another FP1 outing in place of regular driver Pierre Gasly.

Meanwhile, Maini will take part in Tuesday’s post-season Young Driver Test at the Yas Marina Circuit, following the Formula 2 race weekend, for his first appearance in modern F1 machinery in an official F1 session.

Maini has already driven in the team’s Testing Previous Cars (TPC) programme and simulator as part of his role in the Alpine Academy, with his position being expanded earlier in the year to become a test and reserve driver.

“I am looking forward to being back behind the wheel of the A525 this weekend in Abu Dhabi for my third Free Practice session with the team, and fifth of the season,” said Aron, who has also appeared in FP1 for Kick Sauber this year.

“The performances in Monza and Mexico City were very positive for my personal development as a driver and I’m looking forward to building on that for a final time this year.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the post-season test at this track last year – a very fond memory for me as it was my first time in a Formula 1 car – and I am grateful to the team for giving me this latest opportunity again in Abu Dhabi.

“I will do my best to help set up a successful race weekend for the team.”

Maini added: “I can’t wait to take part in the post-season Abu Dhabi test and to have my first proper experience of the A525.

“The Yas Marina Circuit is one I know well from Formula 2 and it will be impressive to see the level of performance Formula 1 cars have around this track.

“I’m very appreciative of the team for trusting me in this role and will aim to do the best job possible with the programme the team gives me.”

Steve Nielsen, Alpine’s Managing Director, commented: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend presents an excellent opportunity to call on our test and reserve drivers and to allow them all-important seat time in a modern Formula 1 car.

“Both Paul and Kush have worked hard this season, especially during our simulator and TPC programmes to be prepared and ready for any Formula 1 opportunity.

“I am looking forward to seeing how they perform in their respective sessions at Yas Marina.”