Aston Martin Promotes Jak Crawford to F1 Reserve Driver for 2026

Aston Martin has confirmed that American hopeful Jak Crawford will step up to become the team’s official reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season, replacing Felipe Drugovich. This promotion follows a year of significant progression for Crawford, who recently made his F1 debut during Friday’s free practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

• This promotion marks a significant step for Jak Crawford, solidifying his path towards a full-time F1 race seat and highlighting Aston Martin's commitment to nurturing young talent, particularly from the American market.
• For Aston Martin, integrating a promising young driver into a more senior role provides long-term stability and development for their driver lineup, ensuring a pipeline of ready talent.

The Details:

• Official Reserve Driver: Crawford, a 20-year-old Texan, will serve as Aston Martin's third driver at every F1 race weekend starting in 2026.
• F1 Debut: He gained valuable experience by participating in Friday's free practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking over Lance Stroll’s AMR25, where his composed performance impressed the team.
• Extensive Experience: A key member of Aston Martin's young driver program since 2024, Crawford has already accumulated over 2,000 km in F1 machinery through simulator work and testing sessions.
• Current Performance: He is currently positioned second in the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings, showcasing his potential and readiness for the next step.
• Team's Perspective: Aston Martin CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell praised Crawford's dedication, technical insight, and rapid rise, emphasizing his value in supporting race operations and car development.

What's Next:

Crawford will continue his vital role in simulator sessions throughout 2025, assisting in the development of the AMR26, Aston Martin's 2026 challenger, while preparing for his expanded duties the following season. This long-term commitment from Aston Martin underscores their ambition to develop future F1 stars and Jak Crawford’s potential to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.