Scots In Single Seaters: Shields first Scot in FP1 since 2015

Formula 2 driver Cian Shields will become the first Scottish driver to take the wheel of an F1 car in FP1 since Susie Wolff in 2015 when he takes part in Free Practice 1 at Abu Dhabi this weekend for Aston Martin.

The 20 year old Glaswegian is racing for AIX Racing this (and next) season in F2 and currently occupies last place in the standings.

He’s recently taken part in private testing with Aston Martin and will now make his FP1 bow for the team. He’ll drive Fernando Alonso’s car.

Shields stepped up from Formula 3 at the end of 2024 and has a season best finish of 11th which he achieved at Imola earlier in the season.

Discounting Jack Aitken, who raced in F1 under dual nationality, Shields is the first Scot since Susie Wolff at Silverstone in 2015 take part in an FP1 session. Additionally, Paul Di Resta was in a race seat for Williams in 2017 but did not do any practice.

📸 Image credits: Aston Martin F1 Team.