Crawford handed Abu Dhabi FP1 and Young Driver test

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Abu Dhabi is calling, and 20-year-old Jak Crawford is answering with a huge grin. Fresh off his Formula 1 debut in Mexico City, Aston Martin’s rapid American prospect will strap back into Team Silverstone’s AMR25 for the glamour of Friday floodlights in Yas Marina.

And the fun doesn’t stop there: straight after the Grand Prix, he’ll hop right back in the car for the official young driver test at the venue for a second serving.

Crawford, currently locked in an exciting Formula 2 title fight just 19 points off the championship lead, couldn’t be happier about the opportunity.

“I’m thrilled to get back behind the wheel of the AMR25 for the second time this season,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator at the AMR Technology Campus this year, and being able to translate that work onto the track is incredibly rewarding.

“Mexico was a huge learning experience for me, and I’m looking forward to continuing that development in both the FP1 session and the young driver test.”

Aston Martin also confirmed that Crawford will replace Lance Stroll in Friday’s opening practice in Abu Dhabi. For a driver preparing to step into a third-driver role next year, it’s exactly the kind of momentum-building programme he needs.

Cowell: ‘Building mileage’ is the mission

Aston CEO and team principal Andy Cowell said the team is delighted to keep pushing Crawford up his steep development curve, calling it “fantastic” for the young American to receive a second practice outing so quickly after Mexico.

Cowell stressed how crucial track time is for a young driver on the rise.

“Building mileage in the car and maintaining momentum is exactly what we aim for in developing our young drivers,” he explained.

“This session in Abu Dhabi will be an important step as he prepares for his new role as third driver next year, and we’re excited to continue supporting his growth.”

Read also: Newey says ‘fear of failure’ fueling Aston Martin 2026 F1 design

With two F2 rounds still to go and another pair of F1 opportunities on the horizon, Crawford’s end-of-season schedule is packed – and perfectly designed for a driver on the cusp of the next level.

As Aston Martin leans into its long-term vision, its young American prospect is seizing every lap, every run, and every chance to prove the future is coming fast.

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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.