Photo: Aston Martin F1 Team
Aston Martin confirms Crawford to replace Alonso in first practice at Belgian GP
Aston Martin has confirmed that Jak Crawford will take over Fernando Alonso’s car during the first free practice session at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
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The American driver will make his third appearance in the first free practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Crawford previously drove in the opening session at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, where he replaced Alonso after the Spaniard arrived late to the race weekend following the birth of his first child.
Crawford joined Aston Martin as the team’s third driver ahead of the 2026 season after finishing runner-up in the 2025 Formula 2 championship.
Under Formula 1 regulations, every team must give a rookie driver – defined as a driver with no more than two Grand Prix starts – at least four opportunities to take part in the first free practice sessions during the season, with both cars required to be used at least twice.
Aston Martin will therefore use one of its mandatory rookie sessions at Spa, giving Crawford another opportunity to gain valuable experience behind the wheel of the AMR26.
“Back behind the wheel at Spa,” Aston Martin wrote on social media while confirming the news.
Crawford responded: “Can’t wait to be trackside for it.”
