Photo: Aston Martin F1
Aston Martin has announced that its reserve driver Jak Crawford will drive in the first practice session of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
The American landed his current role at the team four days after making his Formula 1 free practice debut at last October’s Mexico City Grand Prix. He then got handed a second FP1 outing by Aston Martin at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Outside of race weekends, the 20-year-old has racked up over 1860 miles of test running with the team in contemporary and past F1 machinery.
“I’m really excited to get behind the wheel and drive for the team at Suzuka,” said Crawford.
“It’s such a historic yet demanding circuit, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in the simulator to real track conditions. A big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity. As with my previous FP1 sessions, I’m looking forward to making the most of it and learning as much as I can.”
Crawford was Formula 2 runner-up last season as a third-year driver, and was Andretti Global’s reserve driver in Formula E.
The team’s chief trackside officer Mike Krack added: “It’s great that we’re able to give Jak another opportunity in FP1 as part of our ongoing commitment to developing young talent.
“He has been working hard, especially in the simulator back at Silverstone, and this session will allow him to continue building valuable track experience. It’s an important opportunity for him to keep progressing, while also contributing to the team by gathering useful data and feedback.”
Formula Regional Oceania podium-fnisher Kalle Rovanpera was due to race at Suzuka later this year in Japan’s top-tier single-seater series Super Formula, but he has had to withdraw from that campaign due to medical concerns.
The two-time World Rally champion began his single-seater career at the start of 2026 in FRegional Oceania, and was due to then leap up to SF with the KCMG team.