Formula 1 - Aston Martin appoints new reserve driver for 2026: F2 driver Jak Crawford instead of Felipe Drugovich?

Formula 2 driver Jak Crawford will be seen more often at the racetrack in 2026. The American will be Aston Martin's reserve driver next year. What will become of Felipe Drugovich?

Edda Holweg October 28, 2025, 6:30 p.m

He made his Formula 1 debut in the first free practice session in Mexico , and now he's under contract with Aston Martin: Jak Crawford will be the third driver, following Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, at the British racing team starting in 2026. As a reserve driver, he is required to attend all race weekends to replace one of the two regular drivers in an emergency.

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Crawford has been part of Aston Martin 's Young Driver Development Program since 2024, has already completed numerous test kilometers in an F1 car and spent countless hours on the simulator at Silverstone. "Over the past two years, he has demonstrated his value as a key member of our driver line-up and gained a wealth of experience. His performance in Formula 2 has been tremendous, and we are all excited to see him continue to grow with this larger role," said Aston Martin CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell .

Crawford currently holds second place in the F2 Drivers' Championship. With two races remaining, he is 19 points behind first-placed Leonardo Fornaroli. This is the former Red Bull junior's third year in the junior category. "This is a big moment in my journey with Aston Martin. Over the past two years, I've been able to learn a lot in the Formula 1 environment. I will do everything I can to support the team and develop further as a driver," Crawford said in the official Aston Martin statement.

In Mexico, Crawford sat in Lance Stroll's AMR25 in FP1, Photo: IMAGO / PsnewZ

Despite other options: Will Crawford replace Felipe Drugovich?

In his personal press release, he revealed further details about his commitment: "I'm sure the team will provide more clarity on my overall role by the end of the year. I had other professional options, but Aston Martin is the right place for me in 2026 as I progress from junior pilot to professional racing driver. I will not give up on my dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver, and this is another step toward the F1 pinnacle."

Crawford confirmed talks with Cadillac at the end of July, but the seats went to Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas . The 20-year-old was also considered a favorite for an Andretti cockpit in Formula E for some time. Felipe Drugovich, the long-time number three at Aston Martin, will take over the seat in 2026 , with Crawford taking over. Since 2023, the Brazilian has been on the British racing team's F1 bench, but a Grand Prix participation never materialized.

Drugovich's future role remains unclear. A dual commitment to Formula E and Formula 1 is not uncommon. Aston Martin's third reserve driver, Stoffel Vandoorne, has also filled both roles in recent years.

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