Muscat: This comes despite his current role as a test and reserve driver for the Alpine F1 Team.
According to the F1 regulations, all 20 non-rookie drivers are required to step aside for two FP1 sessions during the season to allow rookie participation. Sauber is fulfilling part of this requirement by running rookie Gabriel Bortoleto in one of their cars, leaving only Nico Hülkenberg’s seat to cover. Since Sauber doesn’t currently have a junior driver in their program, the Swiss-based team has arranged for Paul Aron to step in and provide his “driving services.”

“I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to have valuable track time in Formula One, so thanks to BWT Alpine Formula One Team for coming to this arrangement,” said Aron regarding the agreement.
While it’s unusual to see a driver affiliated with one F1 team running sessions for another, it highlights both Sauber’s search for fresh talent and Alpine’s willingness to support Aron’s development.

With Sauber preparing for its transition into the Audi works team in 2026, the team is actively evaluating young drivers for its long-term plans. Aron’s performances in these sessions will be closely watched as part of that broader assessment.