Aston Martin confirms Crawford as F1 reserve for 2026

©Aston Martin

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Aston Martin has confirmed that American hopeful Jak Crawford will step up to become the team’s official reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season, replacing Felipe Drugovic.

The 20-year-old Texan will act as the team’s third driver at every race, a major career leap that follows Crawford’s F1 debut during Friday’s free practice at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

Crawford, a key member of Aston Martin F1’s young driver programme since 2024, has already logged more than 2,000km in F1 machinery. His composed showing in Mexico – where he took over Lance Stroll’s AMR25 – capped off a year of steady progression behind the scenes at the team’s Silverstone base.

'A huge moment in my Journey'

An elated Crawford described the news as a defining moment in his racing career.

“I'm incredibly proud to be confirmed as 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,” commented the young American.

©Aston Martin

“Over the past two seasons, I've learned so much from being in the Formula One environment, both at the AMR Technology Campus and trackside. I'll be doing everything I can to support the team and continue developing as a driver.”

Currently sitting second in the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings, Crawford has built a reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in the sport. His FP1 debut and growing role within Aston Martin underline the team’s long-term investment in nurturing emerging talent.

Cowell: ‘Jak has impressed at every step’

Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell praised Crawford’s dedication and technical insight, highlighting his rapid rise through the team’s ranks.

“It is great to see Jak progress to become our Third Driver for 2026,” said the Briton. “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.”

As the team continues development work on its 2026 challenger, the AMR26, Crawford will remain a vital figure in simulator sessions throughout 2025, helping refine the car’s performance while preparing for his expanded duties the following season.

For Aston Martin, it’s another signal of ambition – and for Jak Crawford, a golden opportunity to edge even closer to the Formula 1 grid.

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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.