Formula 2 front-runner and Aston Martin junior Jak Crawford has thrown his name into the mix for a coveted race seat at the incoming Cadillac F1 team, confirming early talks with the American outfit ahead of its 2026 debut.
Crawford, who currently sits third in the FIA F2 Drivers’ Championship with DAMS, is just nine points off the top and has already racked up three wins this season.
The 20-year-old, now in his third year in Formula 2, knows that his current campaign in the feeder series could be make-or-break for his Formula 1 ambitions.
“It could lead to many opportunities”
Having previously spent four years in the Red Bull junior programme, Crawford joined Aston Martin’s development ranks in early 2024, continuing to build his F1 résumé while fighting for F2 glory.
But with only 20 race seats up for grabs and veteran names already circling Cadillac’s shortlist, the American knows competition is fierce.
“It depends a lot on what I do in Formula 2 this year,” Crawford admitted. “If I can win the championship, it would be great for my career.
“It could lead to many opportunities, whether [that’s] with a seat on the grid or potentially again reserve driver next year in Formula 1.
“We’re trying to find any space on the grid, whether it’s with Cadillac or Aston Martin or some other teams.”
Cadillac talks “very slow at the moment”
Crawford has confirmed discussions with Cadillac are underway – albeit at an early stage.
“There have been talks, I’ve been talking, but it’s very slow at the moment,” he revealed. “From my side, I just need to do a good job in Formula 2.”
Cadillac, set to enter Formula 1 in 2026 under the management of TWG Motorsports – the entity that took over the initial project kick started by Andretti Global, has been linked to a variety of drivers for its launch lineup.
Experienced names such as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are in the frame, while younger contenders like Mick Schumacher and Zhou Guanyu are also said to be under consideration.
Still, as a rising American talent with momentum behind him, Crawford may tick an important box for the General Motors-backed squad — particularly as the team seeks to capture U.S. fan interest in its rookie season.
A championship title this year could tilt the odds in Crawford’s favour. Until then, he’s focused on doing what he does best: winning races and making himself impossible to ignore.
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