Force India has announced that development driver Alfonso Celis Jr. will get another opportunity in the team's VJM09 during Friday's FP1 at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old will take over Renault-bound Nico Hulkenberg’s seat for the first 90-minute practice at the Yas Marina Circuit on the opening morning.
It will be Celis' sixth race weekend appearance this year, as he has previously had seat time in Bahrain, Russia, Austria, Italy, and COTA.
The Mexican also drove on both days of the post-Spanish Grand Prix test, while fellow development driver Nikita Mazepin took part in the post-British Grand Prix group session held at Silverstone.
Celis actually debuted the VJM09 in pre-season testing, as he drove on two days of the first winter session in Barcelona.
Beside his F1 commitment, the youngster competed in the rebranded Formula V8 3.5 championship where he finished 11th with one podium finish to his name. He previously spent two years in GP3 with Status Grand Prix and ART.
TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the McLaren-Honda MP4-31
INTERVIEW: Rob Smedley on Felipe Massa
FEATURE: When F1 team-mates fight for the title
SILBERMANN: A long-winded tribute to an often long-winded man
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Three races into Ferrari’s 2026 campaign, Lewis Hamilton looks rejuvenated – his voice steadier, his…
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has made it clear: Formula 1 must rediscover the…
Sergio Perez isn’t taking lightly the suggestion that his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac…
While Aston Martin’s F1 car is currently giving Fernando Alonso some massive engine vibrations and…
For a driver who has spent years bending F1 to his will, Max Verstappen suddenly…
For Carlos Sainz, what was meant to be a strong second season at Williams is…