AUSTIN, Texas — Operating a Formula 1 team is no small feat. It requires drivers who are not only willing to explore the limits of their cars but also to push those boundaries further. There’s a team of engineers striving to shave off crucial milliseconds during wind tunnel tests and on the track, along with a management team to guide them. And let’s not forget that it takes a dedicated group of individuals both at the track and back at the factory, all rowing in the same direction.
Additionally, there’s a third driver—always ready in the wings—to leap into action whenever necessary.
The third driver plays multiple roles in an F1 team: they’re a marketing representative, an ambassador, a development engineer, and, crucially, a backup driver prepared to step in due to injury or illness.
Jak Crawford is the third driver for Aston Martin, supporting Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll on the grid. This is Crawford’s inaugural season in this role, following a successful 2025 campaign in the F2 series where he finished second in the Drivers’ Championship, just behind Leonardo Fornaroli.
Ahead of the 2026 United States Grand Prix, SB Nation chatted with Crawford about his transition into F1, expectations for Aston Martin in the forthcoming years, and his next steps.
Life in F1 as a third driver
Aston Martin announced Crawford as their third driver in October 2025 while he was deep in a competitive title battle with Fornaroli. Although Crawford missed out on that championship, he still managed to clinch four victories during an impressive F2 season, including a win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix’s Feature Race.
Our conversation kicked off with how Crawford is adapting to his new role.
“It’s been good. I’ve been attending every race, getting deeply involved with the team and doing simulator work, plus driving the car pretty frequently. So, yeah, it’s been quite enjoyable so far,” Crawford expressed on Friday at the Aston Martin hospitality area in Austin.
He then shared what a typical race week looks like for him:
“I’m mostly at the track, and I’d say it’s fairly straightforward. I go to all the engineering meetings and debriefs, absorbing what Fernando and Lance say about the car and everything else. Otherwise, I’m just at the track, trying to get a solid understanding of the car’s dynamics, you know, just in case I have to jump in and race. I always want to learn as much as possible.”
When I asked about the season’s highs and lows, Crawford looked back thoughtfully.
“The best part has definitely been driving during practice and test sessions; those are always my favorites,” he began.
“The hardest part was when the team struggled in the middle of the season as we were waiting for a major upgrade, which was tough. It wasn’t just me; it tested everyone’s morale. But when we finally got those upgrades, you could feel the excitement—we became more competitive and started fighting for better results.”
Crawford’s motorsport journey
Crawford hails from North Carolina and started karting in the Houston area at age five. He quickly ascended through the ranks, claiming victories in the Challenge of the Americas – Junior Rotax Series, and even placing second in his first international karting event at the 2014 Rok Cup International Championship.
His journey then took him to single-seaters, beginning with the NACAM Formula 4 series, and eventually advancing to F2 with Hitech, where he teamed up with current Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar in 2023. After a rocky start, he achieved a podium finish in Australia and secured his first F2 win in the Sprint Race at the Red Bull Ring.
In his first year in F2, he ended up 13th in the Drivers’ Championship but improved to 5th in the following season, securing five podiums, including a victory in the Barcelona Feature Race.
I inquired about the transformation from karting to being on the brink of Formula 1.
“It’s been quite unexpected,” Crawford remarked, reflecting on his journey.
“So much fun, to be honest,” he continued. “I mean, starting out racing karts in Houston at just five, I never thought I’d be here.”
He noted how what began as a weekend hobby has now placed him at the epicenter of the motorsport world each week.
“I was just enjoying it as a hobby, and it grew from there. I got pretty good, progressed through the ranks, and had a blast doing it.”
Crawford’s growth in motorsport parallels the ascent of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin—an event that debuted when he was starting out in karting. As he advanced in single-seaters, the race gained prominence, becoming a highlight for fans and drivers alike each year.
This experience has given Crawford a unique view of the U.S. Grand Prix.
“I was at the very first race here back in 2012 when I was seven. I don’t remember a lot, but I’ve been attending almost every year since 2018, and it’s grown tremendously,” he explained.
“The fans and the atmosphere at this track are just amazing; it’s only getting better,” he added. “The turnout is insane.”
He described a lap around the Circuit of America in one word: “nuts.”
“It’s a really bumpy circuit with a lot of character, elevation changes, and challenging corners. Honestly, it’s one of those tracks where a driver can make a significant difference. Yes, street tracks often allow that, but on a permanent track, it can be more difficult. Still, here, a driver has considerable influence on the results, making it all the more exciting.”
Helping Aston Martin push forward
As our conversation wrapped up, I wanted to know how Crawford feels he has contributed to the team and the AMR26 this season.
While Aston Martin faced initial challenges with their 2026 car, a significant upgrade introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix helped improve performance.
I asked Crawford about his involvement in the development of the AMR26.
“It was pretty cool,” he said. “I was the first to drive it on the simulator, and we did a lot of prep work to set up a new car, which was exciting.”
“After we implemented the upgrades in the following races, we were able to score points, which was pretty cool.”
During media sessions, both Stroll and Alonso expressed optimism for Aston Martin’s future, and I asked Crawford if he felt similarly.
“We always aim to win and improve. Everyone puts in a lot of effort in the simulator to enhance the car, so there’s genuine excitement for next year,” he said. “We made significant progress this year, which excites everyone for what’s to come.”
For Aston Martin, focusing on maximizing results this season and next seems like an essential step.
“You know, I think we’re looking to maximize our opportunities for points. We’re not in a position to battle for wins or podiums right now, but we aim to end the year strongly,” Crawford explained.
“As for me, I’m excited for FP1 next week and any driving chances I may have this year. I definitely want to make the most of them.”
“And who knows what next year will bring?” he added, feeling hopeful.
“In this sport, we’re always optimistic. A good car can lead to a strong season.”
Regarding his future, Crawford mentioned he’s confirmed for an FP1 session at the Mexico City Grand Prix next week, a session he looks forward to redoing with more experience.
As for what lies beyond that?
“Hopefully a Formula One driver, of course,” Crawford said, expressing his aspirations.
“That’s the dream.”
