Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alpine reorganized its work plan and made a change to its lineup for the first practice session of the last major Formula 1 event in 2025. Franco Colapinto will have an unusual teammate replacing Pierre Gasly in the team, which has already outlined how it will distribute its test drivers both over the weekend and during Tuesday’s testing.
The team confirmed that Paul Aron and Kush Maini will have designated turns both in official activities and in the subsequent tests, with the goal of continuing the development of their talents. Both are part of the brand’s test and reserve team, and will travel to the United Arab Emirates with different schedules.
The Estonian will get back in the car during the first practice on Friday, replacing the Frenchman and sharing the track with the Argentine driver. He had already taken part in FP1 sessions in Italy and Mexico and also logged mileage in a private session held in Monza. Additionally, he participated in free practice with Sauber in Silverstone and Budapest, which gave him prior experience.
Aron arrives with recent experience at Yas Marina, where he made his Formula 1 debut during last season’s young driver test. That background makes him a reliable option for the opening session of the final date on the calendar.
For his part, Maini will take his turn in Tuesday’s tests for emerging drivers, a session that will mark his official debut in a Formula 1 car. The Indian representative, currently with DAMS Lucas Oil in Formula 2, had been participating in the Previous Cars Testing program and simulator duties as part of the Academy.
This year, the 25-year-old driver expanded his role within the structure to become one of the testers and reserves, which opened the door to this opportunity in Abu Dhabi. It will be his first real appearance at the wheel of the single-seater in an official context.
Team principal Steve Nielsen appreciated the chance to give his young drivers some track time: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is an excellent opportunity to call on our test and reserve drivers and give them such valuable seat time in a modern Formula 1 car. Both Paul and Kush have worked hard this season, especially during our simulator and TPC programs, to be prepared and ready for any opportunity in Formula 1.”