Aston Martin has confirmed the appointment of 20-year-old Jak Crawford as its reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This announcement comes just four days after Crawford made his F1 free practice debut with the team at the Mexico City Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Crawford, an American driver, has been part of the Aston Martin junior program since early 2024. Initially, he gained experience through private testing in older models, but he took a step forward last year during the young driver test, where he showcased his growing skills in modern F1 vehicles. As he progresses through 2025, he has participated in additional private tests and has also taken on the role of reserve driver for Andretti Global in Formula E.
"I’m incredibly proud to be confirmed as third driver for 2026. It’s a huge moment in my journey with Aston Martin and a big motivation to keep learning and contributing," said Crawford. His enthusiasm for the role reflects his dedication and commitment to the team's goals.
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Crawford’s success is evident in his current performance during his third season in Formula 2, where he is in contention for the championship title. In his rookie season with Hitech GP, he finished 13th overall, securing a sprint race victory. The following year, he improved to fifth with DAMS, where he achieved his first feature race win. Continuing with the same team in 2025, Crawford has excelled, ranking second in the standings with three feature race wins and a heightened competitive edge.
"This was an easy decision as I wanted to be with an F1 team that knows me best and appreciates me the most," Crawford added about his decision to remain with Aston Martin. He expressed confidence that more details regarding his role will be announced as the 2026 season approaches, emphasizing his ambition as he moves from junior racing into a more professional domain.
"I had other professional options, but this is the right place for me in 2026 as I transition from junior racing to a true professional career. I am not giving up my dream to be a full-time F1 driver, and this is another step for me on the F1 climb," he said, illustrating his focus on advancing his career in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1.
As Crawford steps into this new role, Aston Martin's current reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, is set to transition to Formula E next year, racing for Andretti. This shift opens the door for Crawford to solidify his place within the team’s structure.
Reflecting on Crawford’s development, Aston Martin's F1 team principal, Andy Cowell, expressed his support: "It is great to see Jak progress to become our third driver for 2026. 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." Cowell highlighted Crawford's impressive work in the simulator, where he has consistently contributed to the team’s operations and car development.
"Jak’s performances in F2 have also been outstanding, and we are excited to continue supporting his growth as he takes on a bigger role," Cowell added, indicating the team's anticipation for Crawford’s contributions in the upcoming season.
As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, Jak Crawford's appointment as reserve driver for Aston Martin represents a significant step in his career and reflects the team's commitment to cultivating talent within its ranks. With his experience and determination, Crawford aims to solidify his future in F1, moving ever closer to his dream of being a full-time driver in the pinnacle of motorsport.
