Alpine Confirms Paul Aron as Test and Reserve Driver for 2026 Season
Alpine has confirmed Paul Aron will remain its test and reserve driver for the 2026 F1 season, a crucial role as the team prepares for significant technical regulation changes. Aron's extensive simulator work, including testing the 2026 car, and his recent FP1 outings highlight his growing importance in the team's long-term development strategy. His continuity provides stability and deepens the team's understanding of the new car's development.
Alpine has officially confirmed that Paul Aron will continue as the team's regular test and reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This decision underscores Aron's growing importance within the French outfit, especially given his extensive work on the simulator for the upcoming technical regulation changes.
Why it matters:
- Securing a consistent test and reserve driver like Aron is crucial for Alpine as they navigate the significant technical regulation changes set for 2026. His continuity provides stability and deepens the team's understanding of the new car's development.
- Aron's simulator work, including testing the 2026 car, makes him an invaluable asset for early development and problem-solving, potentially giving Alpine a competitive edge.
The details:
- Aron has proven to be a valuable asset this season, accumulating thousands of kilometers in the simulator, where he has been actively involved in testing Alpine's 2026 car.
- He recently participated in five FP1 sessions, including one for Alpine in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying his experience with current F1 machinery.
- His role is expected to be demanding, focusing heavily on the development of Alpine's new F1 car, which will debut under the 2026 technical regulations overhaul.
- It remains unconfirmed whether Aron will compete in other racing series alongside his Alpine duties in 2026, as the decision rests with the team.
Between the lines:
- The confirmation of Aron's role suggests Alpine is prioritizing internal talent and consistency in their long-term development strategy, particularly as they prepare for a major regulatory shift.
- While British media have speculated about Alex Dunne potentially joining Alpine in some capacity, the Enstone-based outfit has dismissed these rumors as mere speculation, indicating their focus remains on their current confirmed structure.
What's next:
- Aron will continue his intensive simulator work and potentially gain further track experience, playing a critical role in shaping Alpine's next-generation F1 car.
- The success of Alpine's 2026 project will heavily rely on the data and feedback provided by drivers like Aron, making his contribution central to the team's future competitiveness.