Crawford and His First Formula One Experience

American Jak Crawford (pictured) is about to drive in his first official Formula One session. But just how ready is he to get behind the wheel of the AMR25, and what might his future hold beyond Free Practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix? The Houstonian has his say before his F1 weekend debut.

–Story by the Aston Martin F1 Team–

The Americas double-header concludes at high altitude as Mexico City welcomes the F1 paddock from Austin.

It’s a Grand Prix that mixes history and vibrancy. On and off the calendar for the past six decades, it’s become a staple of the modern F1 schedule, bringing with it a pulsating, festival-like atmosphere.

For our team this weekend, there’s an element of looking to the future. Aston Martin Aramco Young Driver Jak Crawford takes the latest step in his motorsport career as he embarks on his first official F1 session, driving in Free Practice One at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Here, he looks forward to that opportunity, reveals how he’s prepared for it, and hints at what his 2026 could look like.

How are you feeling about getting behind the wheel of the AMR25 this weekend?

“I’m really excited. I did the post-season Abu Dhabi test last year and I’ve done some TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) sessions, but this will be a new experience with lots of other cars out on track over a short period of time, so dealing with traffic will be one of the aspects for me to be on top of.

“I’m sure it will be a busy schedule as we work to dial in the car ahead of the rest of the weekend and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that.”

I’ve studied a lot of data and video footage from previous years, so I’m ready to go.

What have you been doing to prepare?

“I’ve been driving in the simulator at the AMR Technology Campus, clocking up the laps to refamiliarize myself with the circuit layout and the key areas of the track.

“The sim has given me a good opportunity to try a few things before getting in the car for real, and I’ve studied a lot of data and video footage from previous years, so I’m ready to go.”

It won’t be the first time you’ve driven at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. What do you remember about the circuit?

“The last time I drove there was six years ago in the NACAM Formula 4 Championship. My first F4 race was there as well; the lap will be a bit quicker this time around!

“I love the track. I love the flow it has and how much you can use the kerbs to try different lines. I like the esses section in particular. I think that’s really cool.

“Driving through the stadium is also great and one of the most iconic sections of racetrack in the world.

“It’s really low-speed and technical, and your tyres aren’t happy because it’s at the end of the lap. From an atmosphere point of view, it’s one of the coolest experiences you can have, and I can’t wait to take an F1 car through there. I wouldn’t be surprised if you can hear the crowd on a cool down lap.”

Have you set yourself any goals for the session?

“I haven’t got any specific targets other than the obvious ones of having a clean session, giving good feedback and trying to help the team as much as possible so they can build on what I’ve said and have a positive weekend.”

The Mexico City Grand Prix is famed for being held at high altitude. What will the car feel like to drive in such conditions, and have you done anything specific to prepare physically?

“The thinner air at altitude means there’s less aerodynamic load and downforce, so we’ll run a high-downforce setup to compensate for that as much as possible.

“Even then, it will still feel like driving a low-downforce configuration like we would at Monza, which is quite unique. Ultimately, though, it won’t present too much of an extra challenge. I’ve driven the AMR23 at Monza, so I know what a low-downforce setup on an F1 car feels like to drive.

“And physically, you soon adjust. I’m going to Mexico City early in the week to give my body time to adapt and I’m at altitude quite often when I go on holiday because I like to go in the mountains and do winter sports, so I’m used to it.

“On your first day, you can feel you’re missing some oxygen, but you acclimatise quickly. The lap isn’t the most physical, either, so I don’t think there’ll be any issues.”

I want to keep learning and progressing with Aston Martin Aramco.

The Formula 2 campaign resumes with a season-ending double-header, starting in Qatar, at the end of next month. Have you thought about that much lately?

“I’m taking things one step at a time. Right now, my focus is on Mexico this week and then I’ll be into F2 preparations as we get closer to Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

“Right after Baku, I did some preparation work with the team for the final rounds, almost getting ready in advance, and gave my engineers an idea of what we’d like to work on over the two-month gap. So, I already feel fairly well prepared, but right now my full focus is on this weekend.”

What are your plans for 2026? Can you share any details yet?

“2026? You’re going to have to wait a little longer for any details. “There’s been lots of discussion in the background. All I can say right now is that I really want to stay with the team and continue this fantastic journey we’re on. I want to keep learning and progressing with Aston Martin Aramco.”