Jak Crawford to Make F1 FP1 Debut with Aston Martin in Mexico

American talent Jak Crawford is set to make his Formula 1 Free Practice 1 debut with Aston Martin at the Mexico City Grand Prix next Friday. The 20-year-old, currently second in the Formula 2 standings, will drive Lance Stroll’s AMR25, marking a significant step in his development within the team's junior program.

Why it matters:

• This opportunity provides Crawford crucial track time in a Grand Prix weekend setting, essential for his progression towards a potential future F1 seat.
• For Aston Martin, it fulfills the mandated rookie driver sessions while allowing them to evaluate their protege's performance in a competitive environment.
• It also highlights Aston Martin's commitment to nurturing young talent, integrating them into their simulator program and giving them a taste of F1 machinery.

The Details:

• Crawford will take over Lance Stroll's AMR25 for the FP1 session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
• This marks his first official Formula 1 session, following extensive testing in Aston Martin's previous three cars since June 2024 and significant involvement in their simulator program.
• Rookie Obligation: Aston Martin is utilizing this session to meet the FIA's regulations requiring each car to be driven by a rookie twice per season. Reserve driver Felipe Drugovich previously drove Fernando Alonso's car in Bahrain and Hungary, meaning Stroll's car needed another rookie outing.
• Eligibility for Superlicence: Crawford is expected to secure a superlicence by the end of the year, needing a top-five finish in F2, a position he currently holds with a 57-point lead over sixth-placed Pepe Martí.

What's next:

• While Crawford's F1 debut in FP1 is a major milestone, a full-time F1 seat remains elusive for now, with Aston Martin confirming their existing driver lineup.
• The experience will be invaluable for Crawford as he continues his F2 campaign and aims for a strong finish, further bolstering his superlicence points.
• Aston Martin will gather crucial data from Crawford's session, contributing to the development of their current and future cars (AMR25 and AMR26), as noted by Team Principal Andy Cowell.
• This debut underscores the increasing importance of F1 teams leveraging junior drivers for mandated practice sessions, balancing development with regulatory compliance.