Crawford to be Aston Martin Reserve F1 Driver in 2026

The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team announced today that Young American Driver Jak Crawford (pictured) will become the team’s Third Driver for the 2026 Formula One season. The role sees Jak act as the team’s reserve driver at all races next season.

The 20-year-old, who joined the team’s Young Driver Development Programme in 2024, has accumulated over 2,000km in Formula One machinery. Most recently, he made his Grand Prix weekend debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix, driving Lance Stroll’s AMR25 during FP1.

Jak Crawford of United States and Aston Martin F1 Team has a seat fit in the garage during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 23, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images for Aston Martin)

Throughout 2025, Jak has been a constant 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 2026 challenger, the AMR26.

Jak is currently competing in his third Formula 2 season, where he sits second in the Drivers’ Championship. The series heads to Qatar next month for the first of the final two rounds.

Jak Crawford of United States and Aston Martin F1 Team looks on during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 23, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images for Aston Martin)

Jak Crawford, Young Driver, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team: “I’m incredibly proud to be confirmed as the Third Driver for 2026. It’s a huge moment in my journey with Aston Martin Aramco and a big motivation to keep learning and contributing. Over the past two seasons, I’ve learned so much from being in the Formula 1 environment, both at the factory and trackside. I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team and continue developing as a driver.”

Andy Cowell, CEO and Team Principal, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team: “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 Formula 2 have also been outstanding, and we are excited to continue supporting his growth as he takes on a bigger role.”