Crawford to become Aston Martin reserve in F1 2026
American F2 frontrunner steps up after his latest FP1 outing at Formula 1's Mexico Grand Prix
Jak Crawford, Aston Martin F1 Team
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
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Aston Martin Formula 1 junior Jak Crawford will step up to the role of third driver for the Silverstone squad for the 2026 season.
The 20-year-old American, who joined Aston's junior programme last year, will become the team's official reserve driver after a range of simulator work, private testing and FP1 outings.
Aston Martin says Crawford has "accumulated over 2,000km in Formula 1 machinery", with his latest outing coming at last week's Mexico Grand Prix where he stood in for Lance Stroll in opening practice.
“I’m incredibly proud to be confirmed as the third driver for 2026," said Crawford. "It’s a huge moment in my journey with Aston Martin and a big motivation to keep learning and contributing.
"Over the past two seasons, I’ve learned so much from being in the Formula 1 environment, both at the factory and trackside. I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team and continue developing as a driver.”
Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell added: "Over the past two years, he has shown his value as a key member of our driver squad and built up a valuable bank of experience and test mileage.
Jak Crawford, Aston Martin F1
Photo by: Colin McMaster / LAT Images via Getty Images
"Jak has impressed in the simulator, having completed regular sessions at the AMR Technology Campus to support our race operations and car development.
"Jak’s performances in Formula 2 have also been outstanding, and we are excited to continue supporting his growth as he takes on a bigger role.”
Crawford heads to the final two F2 rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi second in the standings, trailing Leonardo Fornaroli by 19 points.
Speaking to media including Autosport about his future plans after his Mexico practice run, Crawford said: "It'll definitely be my last year in F2, obviously hoping to finish the season well and win the championship.
"From then on, obviously there's no spots in Formula 1, so it'll just be about kind of learning, developing and getting ready for a Formula 1 race seat, even though I feel fairly prepared.
"If I can take a year on the sidelines to prepare, I feel like I'll just be even more prepared than I already am."
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