The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team has confirmed a driver lineup change ahead of the 2026 Formula One World Championship season, naming 20-year-old American Jak Crawford as its third (reserve) driver.
The announcement signals the team’s ongoing strategy of blending youth development with experienced leadership as it prepares for the next regulation era. Although the change does not impact the team’s two main race seats, occupied by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, the move underscores the long-term vision at Silverstone.
Crawford, who has been part of the Aston Martin Young Driver Development Programme since 2024, has already accumulated more than 2,000 km in F1 machinery and recently made his Grand Prix weekend debut by driving Stroll’s AMR25 during Free Practice 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix.
In a statement, he said: “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.”
The team’s CEO and Team Principal, Andy Cowell, added: “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 and his performances in Formula 2 have also been outstanding.”
It is important to note that this move is a third-driver or reserve designation rather than a replacement of either of the two race seats. The principal race pair of Alonso and Stroll will remain in place going into 2026.
Aston Martin announced earlier this year that Lance Stroll would continue as a race driver into the new regulations era. The significance of the strategy lies in the backdrop of major changes for the team, as Aston Martin prepares for the full arrival of the 2026 regulatory framework, which also features a power unit supply switch to Honda.
From the team’s standpoint, Crawford’s promotion reflects a dual focus on driver development and technical maturity. He has been working in the team’s simulator at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone, contributing to both race operations and the upcoming development of the car for 2026.
His current position in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, as a title contender, adds a competitive edge to his candidacy. He currently sits second in the F2 Drivers’ Championship, with two rounds remaining.
For Aston Martin, the decision signals that the immediate focus in the driver line-up remains stable, while entering a phase of development in which the reserve driver role is elevated in importance.
Crawford’s quotation highlights his personal aspiration and readiness: “Over the past two seasons, I’ve learned so much from being in the Formula 1 environment, both at the factory and trackside. I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team and continue developing as a driver.”