Photo: Aston Martin F1
The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has announced Jak Crawford will act as a reserve driver through next season.
Officially being employed as its third driver, the 20-year-old American will be on reserve duties at every race in 2026 and has landed the role four days after making his F1 free practice debut with the team at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Crawford has been an Aston Martin F1 junior since early 2024, getting his first mileage in private tests with the team in its older cars before getting a taste of contemporary F1 machinery in last year’s young driver test. Through 2025 he has done further private tests, and has also served as Andretti Global’s reserve driver 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.
“Over the past two seasons, I’ve learned so much from being in the F1 environment, both at the Aston Martin Racing Technology Campus and trackside. I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team and continue developing as a driver.”
Crawford is currently in his third Formula 2 season, and is contending for the title. He came 13th as a rookie with Hitech GP, winning one sprint race, and improved to fifth last year with DAMS as he delivered his first feature race victory.
For 2025 he remained with the French team, and sits second in the standings with two rounds to go. There has been eight points-free races and a non-start, but he has also won an unmatched three feature races and a sprint race.
“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 regarding his 2026 plans.
“I am sure the team will announce more clarity on my full role as the year ends and a new journey begins in 2026.
“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.”
Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin’s current reserve driver, is headed to FE next year to race for Andretti.
Aston Martin’s F1 team principal Andy Cowell commented: “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.
“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 F2 have also been outstanding, and we are excited to continue supporting his growth as he takes on a bigger role.”