18-year-old American racing talent Jak Crawford has been signed to the Aston Martin young driver programme.

He will hope to learn from the team and experienced driver line up of Alonso and Stroll.

Crawford will also drive the teams 2022 challenger at some point in the season.

The news comes on a positive day for Aston Martin as unveiled the AMR24 that will take to the track this year.

Crawford will race for the DAMS Lucas Oil team in F2 this season alongside his role as a development driver.

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‘I am proud to take this next step’

The American finished a respectable 13th in the F2 standings last year claiming five podiums. A win around Spielberg at the Austrian GP was certainly a highlight.

“The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is a great place to learn and grow, and the programme ahead sounds exciting.” he said.

“I cannot wait to start working with everyone – especially on the simulator where I can make a contribution to the team’s performance on race weekends. 

“I’m thrilled to get the chance to drive the AMR22 car later this year. It is a big motivator for me to work hard and make the most of this great opportunity.”

Team principal, Mike Krack expressed his delight at the recruitment of Crawford:

“A big welcome to Jak as he begins an exciting journey with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team,” Krack said. 

“He has shown great potential throughout his junior career and we look forward to supporting his learning and development as he steps into the AMR22 for the first time.”

Crawford will hope to build on a promising rookie F2 season and challenge at the front on a more frequent basis.

Currently, Logan Sergeant is the only driver from the U.S competing in F1. Aston Martin will hope that Crawford can continue to grow as a driver challenging for a seat in the future.

An uncertain driver line-up

The F1 driver market was thrown into chaos by Lewis Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari in 2025.

This may have ramifications for Aston Martin with Spanish veteran, Fernando Alonso in the running to replace Hamilton.

Failing that, Alonso’s retirement party must be getting closer. He turns 43 in July and while the speed clearly hasn’t diminished, the desire to do other things in life will return.

Couple that with Lance Stroll’s erratic performances and there could be two spaces available at the team in 2025.

It is too early to suggest that Crawford will have the ability to step in two year’s time. However, the attraction of an American driver has increased in recent years.

There will be three U.S races again in 2024 so the appeal of an American driver is clear.

Williams decision to remain with Sergeant, who underperformed last year, may have been partly linked to that reason.

In the present though, it will all be about Jak Crawford learning what it takes to operate at the top.

Everything F1 will be closely monitoring his progress in 2024.

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