Aston Martin reserve driver Jak Crawford is set to return to Formula 1 action at next week’s Austrian Grand Prix, with the American confirmed for his second FP1 appearance of the 2026 season at the Red Bull Ring.
Crawford will take the wheel of Lance Stroll’s AMR26 for Free Practice One, marking his fourth FP1 outing with Aston Martin and the second of the team’s four mandatory rookie practice sessions scheduled for this year.
The weekend appearance will provide another important opportunity for Crawford to continue his development within the Aston Martin programme, following a productive Pirelli tyre test with the team in Barcelona earlier this week.
The 20-year-old heads to the Styrian mountains with valuable experience of the Spielberg circuit, having previously driven there during testing programmes as well as during his FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 campaigns, where he secured victories in both categories.
His upcoming FP1 appearance also carries added significance, coming almost two years after his first experience behind the wheel of an Aston Martin F1 car, when he tested the AMR22 at the Red Bull Ring in June 2024.
Since joining Aston Martin’s driver development programme, Crawford has become a key contributor to the team’s efforts, building more than 3,800 kilometres of F1 running and establishing himself as one of the most experienced young drivers outside the current Formula One grid.
Ahead of his return to the cockpit, Crawford highlighted the importance of gaining more mileage in the AMR26 and using his recent preparation work to support the team’s progress.
Jak Crawford, Third Driver, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, said:
"It's great to have another opportunity to drive the AMR26 during a race weekend. Austria is a circuit I know well and it's quite special to be returning to the Red Bull Ring with the team, almost two years after my first test in an Aston Martin F1 car.
"I've spent a lot of time in the simulator this season supporting the team and recently completed the tyre test in Barcelona, so I'm looking forward to applying that work on track. Every opportunity in a Formula One car is valuable, and I'll be focused on delivering useful feedback and maximising the session for the team."
Crawford’s FP1 appearance will also allow Aston Martin to assess his continued progress in a live race weekend environment, while gathering additional data from the AMR26.
Mike Krack, Chief Trackside Officer, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, said:
"Jak continues to play an important role as Third Driver, and this FP1 session is another valuable step in that process. He has been heavily involved in our simulator programme throughout the season and recently completed productive running during the Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona.
"Austria provides another opportunity for us to evaluate his progress in a race weekend environment while gathering valuable data for the team."
With simulator work, testing mileage and previous Red Bull Ring experience behind him, Crawford will arrive in Austria aiming to make the most of another important step in his F1 journey while continuing to strengthen his role within Aston Martin’s long-term development plans.
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