Aston Martin's Crawford Names Verstappen as Junior Career Benchmark

Jak Crawford says Max Verstappen was the driver he looked up to most during his early years in Formula 3 and Formula 2, calling the four-time world champion the benchmark of his junior career. Now serving as Aston Martin's third driver in 2026, the American admits Verstappen's standard at the top level influenced his own path, even though the two have never shared more than a quick hello in the Formula 1 paddock.

Why it matters:

For a young driver fighting through the junior ranks, having a clear benchmark is essential to calibrate progress. Crawford's admiration for Verstappen shows the Dutchman's influence reaches well beyond Red Bull Racing, setting the standard for the next generation. As Aston Martin builds its young driver pipeline, Crawford's choice of role model offers a telling glimpse into the mindset behind his development.

The details:

• Crawford is currently Aston Martin's reserve driver and has taken part in multiple FP1 sessions during the 2026 season, including runs in Japan, Austria and Belgium, while also racking up extensive mileage in the team's simulator.
• Like Verstappen, Crawford is an avid sim racer, frequently logging hours on iRacing at home to maintain his racecraft and satisfy his craving for wheel-to-wheel action outside of official duties.
• The two actually crossed paths virtually during the COVID-19 lockdowns, competing in online races when physical F1 action was paused, though Crawford notes their digital schedules no longer align in the busy 2026 calendar.
• Despite regular paddock encounters, Crawford admits he and Verstappen have never had a proper conversation, receiving no specific advice from the driver he still views as the absolute standard-bearer.

What's next:

Crawford continues to balance his reserve role at Aston Martin with his personal sim racing regimen, keeping his skills sharp while waiting for a potential breakthrough. With the 2026 season entering its latter stages, his FP1 outings and simulator feedback remain his best channels to impress the team and edge closer to a full-time seat.