Crawford Gets Double Duty in Abu Dhabi: FP1 and Young Driver Test
Aston Martin's American prospect Jak Crawford is set for an enhanced role in Abu Dhabi, participating in both FP1 and the young driver test. This follows his F1 debut in Mexico City and is crucial for his development as he prepares for a third-driver role in 2025, demonstrating Aston Martin's strong investment in his future.
Fresh off his Formula 1 debut in Mexico City, Aston Martin's American prospect Jak Crawford is set for a significant double feature in Abu Dhabi, participating in both the FP1 session and the post-season young driver test. This move underscores Aston Martin's commitment to nurturing its talent pipeline as Crawford prepares for a third-driver role next year.
Why it matters:
After a successful F1 debut, securing additional track time is crucial for Crawford's development, especially as he eyes a potential full-time F1 seat in the future. These sessions provide invaluable experience, allowing him to integrate further with the team and fine-tune his understanding of the AMR25, bridging the gap between simulator work and real-world performance. It's a clear signal from Aston Martin about their long-term investment in his career.
The Details:
- Double Opportunity: Crawford will replace Lance Stroll in the opening practice session (FP1) in Abu Dhabi, followed by participation in the official young driver test immediately after the Grand Prix.
- Simulator to Track: He expressed excitement about translating his extensive simulator work at the AMR Technology Campus onto the track, building on his learning experience from Mexico.
- Prepping for 2025: These outings are vital for Crawford as he prepares for his new role as Aston Martin's third driver in 2025.
- Team Support: Aston Martin CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell emphasized the team's delight in providing Crawford with crucial mileage, calling it "fantastic" for his development curve.
- Cowell highlighted that "building mileage in the car and maintaining momentum is exactly what we aim for in developing our young drivers."
- F2 Title Contention: Crawford is currently engaged in a tight Formula 2 title fight, sitting just 19 points off the championship lead with two rounds remaining, demonstrating his competitive edge.
What's next:
Crawford's packed end-of-season schedule, combining F2 title aspirations with significant F1 opportunities, positions him perfectly for the next step in his motorsport career. If he continues to impress with his performance and development, a full-time F1 race seat could be well within his grasp in the coming seasons. Aston Martin's continued investment in his track time is a strong indicator of their confidence in his potential.