Crawford gets FP1 Run in Austria
Aston Martin hands Crawford another AMR26 outing
Jak Crawford will return to Formula 1 weekend action at the Austrian grand prix, with Aston Martin Aramco confirming the American will take over Lance Stroll’s AMR26 for Free Practice 1 at the Ring.
The run will be Crawford’s fourth FP1 appearance with the Silverstone squad and his second of the 2026 season. It also counts as the second of Aston Martin’s four mandated rookie practice outings this year, giving the team another chance to assess one of its most race-ready young drivers in proper Grand Prix conditions.
Red Bull Ring return carries extra meaning
Austria is familiar ground for Crawford. The Red Bull Ring has featured in his previous testing work, while he has also won there in both FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3. That makes this more than just a box-ticking rookie session.
The venue also carries a neat bit of symmetry. Crawford’s first Aston Martin F1 experience came at the same circuit in June 2024, when he drove the AMR22. Two years on, he returns not as a wide-eyed prospect getting his first taste, but as the team’s official Third Driver with serious mileage behind him.
Aston Martin says Crawford has now completed more than 3,800 kilometres in Formula 1 machinery, making him one of the more experienced young drivers outside the current Grand Prix grid.
Barcelona test sharpens preparation
The FP1 call-up comes shortly after Crawford completed a Pirelli tyre test with Aston Martin in Barcelona. That running, combined with his regular simulator work, should give him a useful platform heading into the Austrian weekend.
Crawford said the opportunity was particularly valuable given his recent preparation with the team, adding that Austria is “quite special” because of his history there with Aston Martin. His focus, he said, will be on delivering useful feedback and making the most of the session for the team.
Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack also framed the outing as part of Crawford’s broader development programme, pointing to his simulator contribution and productive Pirelli test mileage as reasons why the Red Bull Ring session matters.
A growing role in Aston Martin’s future
Crawford’s FP1 run comes during a major transitional year for Aston Martin Aramco. In 2026, the team has become a full works operation, with Honda supplying power units and Adrian Newey taking on the additional role of Team Principal alongside his position as Managing Technical Partner.
With Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso leading the race line-up, and Stoffel Vandoorne serving as Test and Reserve Driver, Crawford’s position as Third Driver gives him a clear place within Aston Martin’s expanding structure.
FP1 outings rarely tell the whole story for young drivers, particularly when programmes are loaded with test items and strict run plans. But for Crawford, this is another useful marker. He has the track knowledge, recent F1 mileage and internal team experience to make the session count.
Austria now gives him another chance to show Aston Martin that his development is moving in the right direction.
Meta title: Crawford Gets Aston Martin FP1 Run In Austria
Meta description: Jak Crawford will drive Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin AMR26 in FP1 at the Austrian Grand Prix, marking his fourth practice outing with the team.
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Just a normal process.