Aston Martin Retains Vandoorne and Crawford for 2026 Season

Aston Martin has confirmed the continuation of its driver support structure for the upcoming season by extending the contracts of Stoffel Vandoorne and Jak Crawford. The Silverstone-based squad has opted for stability, retaining the Belgian as an experienced reserve driver while keeping the American as the third driver to assist with development duties.

Why it matters:

Maintaining continuity within the driver roster is essential for a team pushing for podiums and championships. With Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll leading the charge, Aston Martin requires a reliable safety net in case of illness or injury. Vandoorne’s proven experience provides that security, while Crawford’s continued presence ensures the team can maximize track time during allocated practice sessions for young drivers.

The details:

• Stoffel Vandoorne: The former McLaren race driver continues his long-standing relationship with the team. He remains the first point of call to deputize for Alonso or Stroll. Vandoorne recently showcased his readiness by participating in the end-of-year test in Abu Dhabi following the 2025 season.
• Jak Crawford: Having joined the team in 2024 after departing the Red Bull junior program, Crawford retains his role as the third driver. He is set to continue his development pathway, having already completed two free practice outings and the young driver's test in 2025.

What's next:

As the new season kicks off, both drivers will be integral to the team's operational success. Crawford is likely to be handed further FP1 opportunities to gather data, while Vandoorne will continue his work in the simulator and remain on standby for race weekend duties, ensuring Aston Martin is prepared for any eventuality.