Jack Crawford Joins Aston Martin as Third Driver, Replaces Alonso in Japanese GP FP1
Filmogaz.com confirms that Jak Crawford will take part in Friday practice at Suzuka. Aston Martin named him the team’s third driver for the weekend. The appearance comes at the Japanese GP, round three of the 2026 season.
Weekend plan at Suzuka
Aston Martin announced the move on Monday. Crawford will drive the AMR26 in FP1, replacing Fernando Alonso for the opening session.
The run satisfies one of the two mandatory rookie sessions for the year. It also gives Crawford track time and real-world data beyond simulator work.
Rising career and milestones
- He moved to Europe at age ten to pursue single-seater racing.
- He first piloted an F3 car at 15 and entered F2 at 17.
- He finished runner-up in NACAM Formula 4 in 2018/19.
- He was runner-up in ADAC Formula 4 in 2020.
- He placed third in Euroformula Open in 2021.
- He raced in FIA Formula 2 from 2023 through 2025.
- He earned the F2 runner-up title in 2025 with DAMS.
- He spent 2020–2023 in the Red Bull Junior programme.
- He joined Aston Martin’s driver development pathway and became a young driver in 2024.
Role within the team
Crawford now holds the official third-driver position alongside Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. He will continue simulator duties at the AMR Technology Campus.
The team expects him to supply important simulation and setup data. Those contributions aid race engineers across the season.
Outlook and context
The FP1 outing will be Crawford’s third competitive track session with the team. Team sources say discussions intensified after his 2025 F2 results and Super Licence points.
This step gives the young American valuable experience. It also signals Aston Martin’s long-term development plan for him.
Filmogaz.com notes Jak Crawford’s appointment strengthens Aston Martin’s pool of talent. The move ties directly to his simulator proficiency and recent racing form.
