Cian Shields, the 20-year-old British Formula 2 driver, is set to make his Formula One debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 5th. This exciting announcement comes as he joins the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, driving Fernando Alonso's AMR25 during the Free Practice One session at Yas Marina Circuit. But here's where it gets interesting: he'll be sharing the track with his teammate, Jak Crawford, who was announced last month. This dynamic duo will be putting their skills to the test, showcasing the team's talent and potential for the upcoming season.
Cian's journey to this point has been an impressive one. He's already logged over 500km in Formula One TPC machinery and has completed extensive development work in the simulator at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone. His dedication and hard work have paid off, as he's now trusted with the AMR25 on a Grand Prix weekend. This is a huge moment for him, and he's eager to contribute to the program and make the most of this unique opportunity.
Gerry Hughes, Chief Engineer F1 Evolution at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, had this to say: "Cian has been an integral part of our team this year, working closely with us to build mileage in AMR TPC Formula One machinery and deepen his understanding of the AMR25. His feedback and professionalism have been consistently strong, and he has continued to develop with every opportunity. This FP1 session is a fantastic way to round out the year, putting his knowledge and experience to good use for the team at the final race of the season."
The team is also excited to introduce I / AM DROPS, a new series of unique and ultra-limited fan experiences. From exclusive collaborations to once-in-a-lifetime prizes, I / AM DROPS will amplify the fan experience. Sign up for I / AM or sign in to unlock these incredible moments. Visit https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/access-I-AM to learn more and join the community.