Fernando Alonso to sit out Japanese GP FP1 as Aston Martin fulfills rookie session with Jak Crawford

Aston Martin has confirmed that reserve driver Jak Crawford will replace Fernando Alonso for the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix, fulfilling one of the team's mandatory rookie FP1 slots for the 2026 season. The 20-year-old American will take the wheel at the demanding Suzuka circuit, marking an unusually early deployment of a rookie driver in the season.

Why it matters:

This early-season substitution highlights the strategic balancing act teams face between gathering crucial data with their established drivers and meeting the FIA's mandatory rookie session requirements. With the 2026 cars still being understood by the full-time drivers, sacrificing a session with a veteran like Alonso at a critical track like Suzuka is a notable compromise, underscoring the team's commitment to developing young talent within its program.

The details:

• Unusual Timing: The swap is notable for occurring at only the third round of the season. Suzuka is a complex, high-speed circuit not typically chosen for rookie FP1 outings, making this an early and significant test for Crawford.
• Driver Background: Jak Crawford, backed by the Aston Martin driver development program, was the 2025 Formula 2 championship runner-up. He served in two FP1 sessions last year (Mexico and Abu Dhabi) after being unable to secure a full-time F1 seat for 2026.
• Team Statements: Crawford expressed excitement about applying simulator learnings to real track conditions at Suzuka. Aston Martin's chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, emphasized the session's dual purpose of developing Crawford and gathering valuable data for the team.
• Regulatory Requirement: All teams must allocate two first practice sessions (one per car) to a driver with fewer than two Grand Prix starts, a rule designed to provide track time for young talent.

What's next:

Alonso will return to the cockpit for FP2 and the remainder of the weekend, with the team hoping the data gathered by Crawford can still contribute to their overall setup. The move signals Aston Martin's proactive approach to fulfilling its rookie obligations, freeing up later sessions for its primary drivers as the championship develops. All eyes will be on how Crawford adapts to one of the calendar's most technical circuits and whether the lost track time impacts Alonso's initial setup work for the weekend.