Here's the thing: Jak Crawford is getting another shot in a Formula 1 car. Aston Martin have confirmed that the 21-year-old will pilot the AMR26 during Free Practice 1 at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. He will take over Lance Stroll's machine for the session, marking his fourth on-track appearance of the 2026 season.
Crawford, who acts as the team's Third Driver and joined the Aston Martin Driver Development Programme in 2024, has already logged practice mileage this year in Japan, Austria, and Belgium. His highest finish across those outings came at the Red Bull Ring, where he placed P20. This upcoming run in Mexico City was announced during his home race weekend at the United States Grand Prix and officially satisfies the squad's mandatory rookie practice sessions for the year.
It's also special to be announcing this during my home race weekend in Austin. As always, the focus will be on making the most of the session and delivering useful feedback for the team.
Since finishing his third campaign in Formula 2 last year, the young American has been hard at work behind the scenes. He has logged crucial testing and simulator hours as the outfit tries to sharpen an underperforming power unit and chassis.
“I'm really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the AMR26 in Mexico City,” Crawford stated. “It's a special circuit for me as it's where I made my FP1 debut last year, so it's great to return with more experience under my belt. I've learned a lot through my time on track and in the simulator this season, and I'm looking forward to putting that into practice.”
He continued: “It's also special to be announcing this during my home race weekend in Austin. As always, the focus will be on making the most of the session and delivering useful feedback for the team.”
Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack backed the decision, noting the driver's growth since last season. “We are pleased to give Jak another opportunity in the AMR26,” Krack said. “He returns to Mexico City with considerably more experience than when he made his FP1 debut there last year. His contributions through our simulator and testing programmes have been valuable, and this session provides another opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities while supporting the team's preparations for the weekend.”
