Aston Martin Shakes Up Formula 1 Roster: Major Driver Change Confirmed for 2026!
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Aston Martin has officially announced a pivotal shift in its Formula 1 driver lineup for the upcoming 2026 season. The team will bid farewell to its reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, who has been a part of the Aston Martin family since 2022. Despite his promising potential, Drugovich’s ascent to a full-time F1 seat has been thwarted by the formidable duo of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, who have established a solid partnership.
With the door to Formula 1 seemingly closed, Drugovich has made the bold decision to transition to Formula E, where he will join forces with Andretti in 2026. This departure has opened the floodgates for a new opportunity at Aston Martin, and the team has wasted no time in confirming the arrival of F2 standout Jak Crawford as their new third driver.
At just 20 years old, Crawford is not only a product of the prestigious Aston Martin driver academy but has also showcased his talent during a recent FP1 session at the Mexican Grand Prix, stepping in for Lance Stroll and finishing in 19th place. His promotion to reserve driver for the 2026 season marks a significant milestone in his career, positioning him to jump into action during race weekends should either Stroll or Alonso be unavailable—a high-stakes opportunity that could propel him to the forefront of F1.
Expressing his excitement, Crawford stated, “I’m incredibly proud to be confirmed as the third driver for 2026. It’s a huge moment in my journey with Aston Martin Aramco and a big motivation to keep learning and contributing.” He emphasized the invaluable learning experience he has gained over the past two seasons, both in the factory and on the track, vowing to support the team’s ambitions and enhance his skills as a driver.
But what does the future hold for Aston Martin beyond 2026? The team faces an uncertain road ahead. Both Alonso and Stroll are contracted until the end of that season, yet speculation abounds regarding their potential replacements. Alonso has hinted that a successful 2026 campaign—especially if it leads to podium finishes—could push him towards retirement. Meanwhile, the team is reportedly eyeing Max Verstappen, who is poised to assess the competitive landscape before committing to his next career move.
With all these swirling uncertainties, Jak Crawford may find himself on a faster track to F1 glory than his predecessor. Team principal Andy Cowell expressed enthusiasm about Crawford’s progression, stating, “It is great to see Jak progress to become our third driver for 2026. Over the past two years, he has shown his value as a key member of our driver squad and built up a valuable bank of experience and test mileage.”
Crawford’s impressive performances in the simulator and his outstanding results in Formula 2 have left the Aston Martin team excited about his future contributions. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on this dynamic young driver as he embarks on a thrilling new chapter with Aston Martin. Will he rise to the occasion and seize the opportunity in a sport that is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating? Only time will tell!
