Jak Crawford to replace Lance Stroll in Austrian GP first practice

Aston Martin has confirmed that Jak Crawford will take over Lance Stroll’s AMR26 for the opening practice session at next week’s Austrian Grand Prix, giving the American another opportunity to build Formula 1 mileage in a live race weekend environment.

Aston Martin continues young-driver programme

Under Formula 1’s rules, each regular race driver must hand over their car twice during the season to a young driver who has contested no more than two grands prix. Crawford’s Austria run means Aston Martin will have completed two of its required four young-driver FP1 slots for the campaign.

Crawford targets useful feedback

Crawford’s latest chance comes shortly after additional running in the 2026 car, with the American having completed a Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona earlier this week. That mileage, combined with his simulator work, gives Aston Martin a stronger baseline as it prepares to evaluate him again in race-weekend conditions.

“It’s great to have another opportunity to drive the AMR26 during a race weekend,” Crawford said. “Austria is a circuit I know well, and it’s quite special to be returning to the Red Bull Ring with the team, almost two years after my first test in an Aston Martin F1 car.”

He added: “I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator this season supporting the team and recently completed the tyre test in Barcelona, so I’m looking forward to applying that work on track. Every opportunity in a Formula 1 car is valuable, and I’ll be focused on delivering useful feedback and maximising the session for the team.”

Krack: Austria a valuable development step

Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack described the FP1 run as another important stage in Crawford’s progression as the team’s Third Driver.

“Jak continues to play an important role as Third Driver, and this FP1 session is another valuable step in that process,” Krack said. “He has been heavily involved in our simulator programme throughout the season and recently completed productive running during the Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona.”

Krack added that Austria would allow Aston Martin to assess Crawford’s progress while also collecting valuable data across the first hour of practice.