Gabriel Bortoleto will give up training in Formula 1 to give way to a rookie in the Austrian GP
Driver Gabriel Bortoleto will not participate in the first free practice session of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. The Audi team confirmed the decision to hand over the Brazilian’s car to Estonian Paul Aron this Friday (26), in accordance with the category’s rules. It is mandatory for teams to allow novice drivers to participate in official sessions throughout the season.
Paul Aron, who acts as Alpine’s reserve driver, was the German team’s choice to participate twice in 2026. His first time in the cockpit occurred at the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, when he took over from Nico Hulkenberg during the start of activities. Now, it will be his turn to replace Bortoleto on the Red Bull Ring circuit.
The collaboration between Aron and the team is not new to motorsport. Before the transition from Sauber to Audi, the young Estonian had already participated in several activities with the former Swiss team. Its repeated lineup aims to actively contribute to the development of the car during free practice sessions on this calendar.
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Until last year, Formula 1’s requirement was that each starting driver gave up his car only once during the championship. However, from 2026, the rule has been expanded to two sessions per driver, doubling the opportunities for rookies to gain official experience. This practical change implies that both Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg will need to complete another mandatory participation until the end of the season, intensifying the rotation of talent on the tracks.
Next round of Formula 1 will take place at the Red Bull Ring circuit
The 2026 Formula 1 season continues with the eagerly awaited Austrian GP, scheduled between June 26th and 28th. The competition will be held at the traditional Red Bull Ring, located in Spielberg, marking the eighth stage of the calendar. The main race is scheduled for Sunday (28), with a start scheduled for 10 am (Brasília time).
