Aston Martin Names Jak Crawford as New F1 Reserve Driver for 2026

Aston Martin has officially confirmed Jak Crawford as their reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Crawford, an American talent, made his F1 weekend debut in Mexico City recently with an FP1 appearance and has been a part of the Aston Martin driver program since 2024, undertaking various tests with the team.

Why it matters:

• Securing a reserve driver like Crawford is crucial for Aston Martin's long-term stability and contingency planning, ensuring they have a capable stand-in should Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll be unavailable.
• This appointment highlights Aston Martin's commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the F1 ecosystem, as Crawford transitioned from a Red Bull junior to a key part of their program.

The details:

• Jak Crawford will step into the role previously held by Felipe Drugovich, who has moved to Formula E.
• Crawford's Journey: Joining Aston Martin in 2024, Crawford has steadily integrated into the team, gaining experience through simulator work and on-track testing.
  • He expressed immense pride and motivation, stating he's learned a great deal from the F1 environment, both at the factory and trackside.
• Team's Perspective: Aston Martin Team Principal Andy Cowell praised Crawford's progression, highlighting his value to the driver squad and his accumulated experience and test mileage.
  • Cowell specifically noted Crawford's impressive simulator performances, which have supported the team's race operations and car development.
  • Crawford's strong results in Formula 2 have also been a key factor in his promotion.

What's next:

• Crawford's new role will see him on standby for Alonso or Stroll throughout the 2026 season, ready to step into an F1 car if needed.
• This commitment from Aston Martin to Crawford underscores their belief in his potential and signifies a strategic investment in their future driver lineup, as they continue to support his development within the sport. His F2 performances will remain a key focus as he balances his reserve duties with his racing career.