Jak Crawford Named Aston Martin Aramco’s Third Driver for 2026 Formula 1 Season

Silverstone, UK – October 29, 2025: Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team has officially announced that young American racer Jak Crawford will take on the role of Third Driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The position will see the 20-year-old serve as the team’s official reserve driver at all Grands Prix next year.

Crawford, who joined the Aston Martin Aramco Young Driver Development Programme in 2024, has already completed over 2,000 kilometres in Formula One machinery. He made his Grand Prix weekend debut earlier this month at the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking over Lance Stroll’s AMR25 during the FP1 session.

From Simulator to the Grid

Throughout 2025, Crawford has been deeply involved with the team’s technical operations at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone. He has played a vital role in simulator development work, providing key feedback that has supported both the AMR25’s race performance and the ongoing development of the 2026 car – the AMR26.

Currently in his third Formula 2 campaign, Crawford sits second in the Drivers’ Championship as the series prepares for its final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. His consistent performances in F2 have further strengthened his credentials as one of the most promising young talents on the path to Formula 1.

Jak Crawford: “A Huge Moment in My Journey”

“I’m incredibly proud to be confirmed as the Third Driver for 2026,” said Jak Crawford. “It’s a huge moment in my journey with Aston Martin Aramco and a big motivation to keep learning and contributing. 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.”

Aston Martin’s Confidence in Crawford’s Growth

Andy Cowell, CEO and Team Principal of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, praised Crawford’s progress and professionalism:

“It is great to see Jak progress to become our Third Driver for 2026. 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. His performances in Formula 2 have also been outstanding, and we are excited to continue supporting his growth as he takes on a bigger role.”

A Key Step Toward the F1 Grid

Crawford’s appointment marks another important step in Aston Martin Aramco’s long-term driver development strategy, which aims to nurture and integrate top young talent into its Formula 1 operations. With the 2026 regulations overhaul approaching, Crawford’s expanded role is expected to give him critical experience as the team prepares for the next era of Formula 1.