Aston Martin to run rookie Jak Crawford in FP1 at Suzuka amid early-season struggles
Summary
Aston Martin has called up reserve driver Jak Crawford to fulfill a rookie FP1 session at Suzuka this weekend. The early move highlights the team's urgent need for data and driver feedback after a troubled start to the 2026 season, with neither Alonso nor Stroll finishing a race so far.
Aston Martin will field reserve driver Jak Crawford in Fernando Alonso's car during first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, becoming the first team to use an off-grid rookie for a mandatory session in 2026. The move comes unusually early in the season as the team seeks valuable data and driver development, despite its own cars failing to finish either of the opening two races.
Original Article :https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/aston-martin-fernando-alonso-jak-crawford-fp1...
