F1 | Alpine to field two rookies at Abu Dhabi: one makes debut in rookie test. Alpine confirms two rookie drivers for Abu Dhabi.

Alpine will take to the track during FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Paul Aron, while Kush Maini will participate in the rookie tests. Formula 1 teams are required to hold two free practice sessions during the season featuring a rookie driver. Alpine is going further for Abu Dhabi, with Paul Aron driving for the third time in 2025 and Kush Maini set to make his debut in the post-race rookie tests.

Aron returns, Maini set for debut

The Estonian driver has already completed two sessions in Monza and Mexico, and the team was under no obligation to put another young driver in the car. The decision likely stems from Alpine’s desire to give Aron more opportunities to build confidence in an F1 car. The surprise is Kush Maini, who will make his debut during the post-season rookie tests.

Aron and Maini in the A525

For Abu Dhabi FP1, Alpine has decided to put rookie Paul Aron in one of their cars. Kush Maini will participate in the rookie tests scheduled for the week after the Grand Prix. Both drivers are part of the French team’s development program and will have the opportunity to drive the official F1 car.

Aron excited to return to Yas Marina

“I can’t wait to get back in the A525 this weekend in Abu Dhabi for my third free practice session with the team, the fifth of the season. My performances in Monza and Mexico were very positive for my development as a driver, and I’m looking forward to continuing on this path for the last time this year. I really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the post-season tests at this track last year – a very special memory for me, as it was my first time in a Formula 1 car – and I’m grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity again in Abu Dhabi. I’ll do my best to help deliver a successful race weekend for the team,” Paul Aron said.

Maini ready for rookie tests

“I’m looking forward to taking part in the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi and trying the A525 for the first time. I know the Yas Marina circuit well from Formula 2. It will be incredible to see the performance level of Formula 1 cars on this track. I am very grateful to the team for trusting me in this role, and I will do my best with the program assigned to me,” Maini stated.

With both drivers part of Alpine’s official junior programme, the Enstone-based squad is maximising the final on-track opportunity of 2025 to evaluate and develop its next generation of talent.