Aston Martin opts for full rookie line-up for Abu Dhabi FP1

Aston Martin will be taking the concept of “youth movement” to the extreme this Friday in Abu Dhabi, after confirming it will run, not one, but two rookies in the opening practice session.

Jak Crawford was already locked in to replace Lance Stroll, but on Tuesday the team revealed that Fernando Alonso will also sit out FP1 – handing his AMR25 to British F2 driver Cian Shields.

The move ensures Aston Martin ticks off its mandatory rookie-running requirements for the season, but it also means the team will be sending out its cars without either of its established race drivers for the final practice opener of the year. Not something you see every weekend.

A Deal With Benefits?

Shields, who has logged more than 500 kilometres in Aston Martin machinery during private TPC testing, steps in despite a slow-burning first full F2 season with AIX Racing.

The 20-year-old has yet to score a point with one round remaining – hardly a résumé that screams “FP1-ready” in Abu Dhabi. Which may explain why, in the paddock, more than a few eyebrows will have been raised at the timing.

Given Shields’ modest results, there is quiet – and not so quiet – speculation that Aston Martin’s generosity may not be purely developmental.

The team has invested significant track time in the 18-year-old this year, and one could reasonably assume that such eager hospitality comes with a suitably appreciative contribution from the Shields camp.

After all, few things in F1 are more reliable than gravity, tyre degradation, and teams accepting well-timed support to offset the cost of “opportunities.”

Shields: ‘A huge moment for me’

Regardless of the behind-the-scenes motivations, Shields is relishing the chance to make his official F1 debut.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to drive in FP1 with Aston Martin,” he said.

“I’ve learned so much working with the team this year, both in the simulator and through my TPC testing, and to now be trusted with the AMR25 on a Grand Prix weekend is a huge moment for me.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to the programme on Friday and making the most of the experience.”

Crawford, meanwhile, will fulfil his duties as the team’s junior driver, giving Aston Martin a fully inexperienced FP1 duo just days before the final race of the season.

Read also: Crawford handed Abu Dhabi FP1 and Young Driver test

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