Who is Jak Crawford? Aston Martin’s F1 star ready to replace Stroll or Alonso
Aston Martin have confirmed that rising American talent Jak Crawford will take part in the first practice session (FP1) at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking another important step in his development as one of Formula 1’s most promising young drivers.
The 20-year-old, who serves as Aston Martin’s reserve and third driver for the 2026 season, is set to replace Fernando Alonso during Friday’s opening session at Suzuka. The outing offers Crawford a valuable opportunity to gain further experience behind the wheel of a current-generation Formula 1 car while contributing to the team’s ongoing development work.
Crawford’s involvement comes at a time when Aston Martin are facing growing challenges with their AMR26 car. Both Alonso and Lance Stroll have reported persistent vibration issues, which have impacted performance and raised concerns within the team. The situation became particularly evident at the Chinese Grand Prix, where Alonso was forced to retire after struggling to manage the car’s instability during the race.
These technical difficulties have intensified scrutiny on Aston Martin’s driver line-up, with the team needing reliable feedback and flexibility as they work to resolve the issues. While Crawford’s FP1 appearance is part of standard driver rotation and development strategy, it also highlights the importance of having a capable reserve driver ready to step in if required.
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Crawford began his racing journey in karting at a young age, quickly establishing himself as a standout talent. His transition to single-seater racing came in 2018 when he competed in the NACAM Formula 4 Championship. He impressed immediately, securing multiple race wins and finishing runner-up in the standings.
His rapid progress continued through the junior ranks, including a notable campaign in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, before he joined the Red Bull junior programme. It was during this period that Crawford gained wider recognition as a future Formula 1 prospect.
A breakthrough moment came in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he claimed a race victory and several podium finishes despite being one of the youngest drivers on the grid. His performances earned him promotion to Formula 2, where he would spend three seasons refining his racecraft and consistency.
Across his time in Formula 2, Crawford demonstrated steady improvement, securing multiple race wins and regularly competing at the front of the field. His strongest campaign came in 2025, when he finished second in the championship. That performance played a key role in Aston Martin’s decision to elevate him into their official reserve driver role for the 2026 season.
Since joining the team, Crawford has been actively involved in testing programmes and simulator work, helping Aston Martin gather crucial data as they aim to close the gap to their rivals. His prior experience in FP1 sessions, including appearances in 2025, has also prepared him for more consistent involvement at race weekends.
For Aston Martin, integrating young talent like Crawford is part of a broader long-term strategy. While Alonso brings vast experience and Stroll remains central to the team’s plans, the presence of a high-performing reserve driver ensures stability in the face of uncertainty.
As the Japanese Grand Prix weekend unfolds, attention will not only be on Aston Martin’s efforts to resolve their technical issues but also on Crawford’s performance in FP1. A strong showing could further strengthen his case as a future full-time Formula 1 driver.
With pressure mounting and opportunities emerging, Crawford’s journey appears to be entering a decisive phase—one that could bring him closer to a permanent place on the Formula 1 grid.