Aston Martin F1 junior Jak Crawford in action in FP1 in Mexico

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Aston Martin F1 has confirmed that American Formula 2 standout Jak Crawford will make his Formula 1 weekend debut at next week’s Mexico City Grand Prix, stepping into Lance Stroll’s AMR25 for the opening free practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Currently sitting second in the FIA F2 Championship standings with DAMS, the 19-year-old from Texas will become the latest member of Aston Martin’s driver development programme to take the wheel of its Formula 1 machinery.

Crawford already has extensive experience with the team, having completed more than 2,000km of testing across the AMR22, AMR23, and AMR24 cars, and participated in last year’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

The FP1 outing will not only mark Crawford’s maiden appearance in an official F1 session but also continue the sport’s increasing embrace of young American talent – something Aston Martin appears eager to champion.

“I’m thrilled to drive the AMR25 next week in Mexico for my first official Formula One session,” said Crawford. “I’ve worked closely with the team all year, so to now take the next step and get track time on a Grand Prix weekend is really exciting.

“Announcing this in Texas, where I’m from, makes it even more special after a busy week with the team and Aramco in Houston.”

Cowell: A Great Chance to Enjoy More Progress

Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell praised Crawford’s professionalism and performance in the team’s testing and simulator programmes, describing the FP1 run as a reward for his efforts and a key step in the team’s talent pipeline.

“It’s fantastic to give Jak the opportunity to take part in FP1 in Mexico,” said Cowell. “He’s shown real maturity and provided strong technical feedback throughout the year, and these sessions are an important part of how we develop young talent.

“Jak has had a strong season in Formula 2 and has been a key contributor to the development of both the AMR25 and AMR26. This is a great chance for him to continue progressing while helping us gather valuable data.”

With Crawford’s impressive Formula 2 campaign and growing role within Aston Martin, his FP1 debut in Mexico is seen as a potential steppingstone toward a full-time F1 seat in the future.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.