Jak Crawford to replace Lance Stroll for Mexico GP FP1

Jak Crawford will make his Free Practice 1 debut with Aston Martin next Friday at Formula 1’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

Currently holding second place in the drivers’ standings for his third campaign in Formula 2, Crawford will take the wheel of Lance Stroll’s AMR25 challenger at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

“I’m thrilled to drive the AMR25 next week in Mexico for my first official Formula 1 session,” the 20-year-old said. “I’ve worked closely with the team all year, so to now take the next step and get track time on a grand prix weekend is really exciting. Announcing this in Texas, where I’m from, makes it even more special.”

Aston Martin has opted to give its protege a first taste of Formula 1 driving on a grand prix weekend, with Crawford having already tested the team’s previous three cars on various occasions since June 2024, while being heavily involved in its simulator programme.

This is also a way for Aston Martin to fulfil its obligations regarding the regulations mandating each car be driven by rookies twice throughout the season. Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich previously replaced Fernando Alonso in Bahrain and Hungary, meaning Stroll will have to cede his car to a young driver again by the end of the year.

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

“It’s fantastic to give Jak the opportunity to take part in FP1 in Mexico,” team principal Andy Cowell said. “He’s shown real maturity and provided strong technical feedback throughout the year, and these sessions are an important part of how we develop young talent.

“Jak has had a strong season in Formula 2 and has been a key contributor to the development of both the AMR25 and AMR26. This is a great chance for him to continue progressing while helping us gather valuable data.”

Crawford is all but certain to be eligible for a superlicence by the end of the year, as he needs a top-five finish in F2 and his gap to sixth-placed Pepe Martí is 57 points. However, he has so far been unsuccessful in graduating to F1, with Aston Martin unsurprisingly retaining Alonso and Stroll while the new Cadillac team opted for veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.