Photo: Aston Martin F1
Aston Martin has chosen Formula 2 racer Jak Crawford for Formula 1’s young driver test at the end of this year rather than its reserve driver Felipe Drugovich.
Both are members of Aston Martin’s driver development programme, and 2022 F2 champion Drugovich was front of the queue for F1 opportunities due to his behind-the-scenes role with the team.
Crawford joined Aston Martin’s ranks in February, and did his first F1 test in June when he drove a two-year-old car at the Red Bull Ring. When announcing last week that he would be staying in F2 for 2025, he teased more F1 mileage this year as well as an expanded role with the team for 2025.
The post-season young driver test takes place at Yas Marina Circuit in the week following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 6-8) at the track.
“I’m excited about the opportunity of driving the AMR24 for the first time in Abu Dhabi. I’ve spent lots of hours on the simulator back at the AMR Technology Campus, and I will be continuing this ahead of the test to make sure I am well prepared,” said Crawford.
“Yas Marina is a circuit I know well, so hopefully this will help me get up to speed quickly. I would like to say a big thanks to everyone at Aston Martin Aramco for the chance to drive this year’s car in the test.”
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack added: “We’re looking forward to giving Jak the opportunity to drive the AMR24 in Abu Dhabi as part of his role in the Aston Martin Aramco young driver dvelopment programme. He’s already shown a high level of understanding in previous tests with us this year and I know he will be working hard in preparation for the test alongside competing in the final two rounds of the F2 championship.”
Although Drugovich has been announced as driving for Aston Martin in free practice at this month’s Mexico City Grand Prix, he is already evaluating options away from F1 having recently conducted his first IndyCar test. The Brazilian was chosen by Aston Martin for the post-season young driver test the previous two years.