Alpine confirm Paul Aron for FP1 outing at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Alpine have confirmed that reserve driver Paul Aron will make his first Formula One appearance of the 2026 season during the opening free practice session at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Estonian will take over Franco Colapinto's A526 for the one-hour session at the Hungaroring, completing the first of Alpine's mandatory rookie practice outings required under Formula One regulations. Colapinto will return to the cockpit for the remainder of the weekend.
Aron's FP1 outing comes as Alpine heads to a circuit that holds special memories for the Enstone-based squad. The team claimed its maiden Formula One victory under the Alpine name at the Hungaroring in 2021, when Esteban Ocon produced a memorable drive in mixed wet and dry conditions to secure a shock victory.
Five years later, Alpine arrives in Budapest hoping to build on an encouraging Belgian Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto both showed competitive pace at Spa-Francorchamps, although strategy prevented the team from converting that speed into a stronger points haul. Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Colapinto will remain at the Hungaroring to participate in a Pirelli tyre test.
The Hungaroring presents a very different challenge from the high-speed circuits of Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. Often compared to a karting circuit because of its tight and twisting nature, the 4.381-kilometre track features a succession of medium- and slow-speed corners connected by short straights, placing a premium on aerodynamic efficiency, mechanical grip and driver consistency over a lap.
Alpine will also arrive in Hungary encouraged by recent performances from its junior programme. Alpine Academy driver Alex Dunne scored points in both Formula 2 races at Spa, while Gabriele Minì climbed through the field to finish fifth in the Feature Race and remains second in the championship standings. Kush Maini also returns to the circuit where he claimed his maiden Formula 2 victory in 2024.
