Aston Martin makes surprise American change: who is Jak Crawford, the team’s reserve driver?

Aston Martin has announced another key move for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Silverstone-based team confirmed the arrival of Jak Crawford, who will serve as its third driver throughout the year. The 20-year-old American will act as reserve at every Grand Prix, taking over the role currently held by Felipe Drugovich. The Brazilian recently signed with Andretti to compete in Formula E, ending a long wait for a shot at Formula 1.

Who is Jak Crawford, Aston Martin’s third driver?

Crawford, now in his third season in Formula 2, sits second in the championship standings and remains in contention for the title. His next race comes next month in Qatar, the penultimate event on the calendar. In the meantime, the American enjoyed his first official F1 outing this past weekend, driving Lance Stroll’s AMR25 during Free Practice 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix – part of the FIA’s initiative to give young drivers more track time.

Since joining Aston Martin’s Driver Development Program in 2022, Crawford has logged more than 2,000 km in Formula 1 machinery. This season, he has also been a regular presence in the simulator at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone, “providing valuable technical feedback that has supported both race operations with the AMR25 and development work on the AMR26” – the car he could well be racing in 2026.

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