Aston Martin has officially confirmed that Jak Crawford will serve as the team's Third Driver for the upcoming 2026 Formula One season. This announcement marks a significant milestone in Crawford's burgeoning career within the F1 framework, representing a step forward in his role as a reserve driver for all races.
At just 20 years old, Crawford has made notable strides since joining Aston Martin's Young Driver Development Programme in 2024. To date, he has accumulated over 2,000 kilometers of experience behind the wheel of Formula One machinery. Recently, he made an impactful debut during the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking the wheel of Lance Stroll's AMR25 in Free Practice One.
While active in competition, Crawford is also excelling in his third season of Formula 2, where he currently sits second in the Drivers' Championship standings. With the series heading to Qatar next month, Crawford is positioning himself for a strong finish to the season.
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"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," stated Crawford about his new role. He emphasized the valuable experience he has gained, stating, "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."
Crawford's progress has not gone unnoticed by the team. CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell shared his thoughts on the young driver’s achievements, expressing enthusiasm for his growth within the squad. "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," said Cowell.
Cowell further praised Crawford's contributions in the simulator, where he has regularly completed sessions at the AMR Technology Campus. His efforts have been instrumental in supporting race operations and the development of the upcoming 2026 model, the AMR26. Additionally, Cowell commended Crawford's outstanding performances in Formula 2 and expressed excitement for their continued collaboration.
Crawford's transition from training to serving as a crucial member of the team underscores Aston Martin's commitment to nurturing young talent. As he prepares for the challenges of the 2026 season, his focus will remain on learning and contributing to the team's success.
The 2026 Formula One season promises to be an exciting chapter for Aston Martin, with Jak Crawford set to play a key role. His dynamic presence, both in competitive racing and as a reserve driver, will be integral as the team looks to build on its foundations and strive for greater achievements in the coming years.