Crawford joins Aston Martin’s Driver Development Programme

Aston Martin have announced that 18-year-old American Jak Crawford will join their Young Driver Development programme for 2024. Crawford is slated to drive in F2 this season with DAMS, and will be combining the two roles.

Crawford will be going into his second year in F2, having previously raced for Hitech alongside Isack Hadjar. Those two were previously both part of the Red Bull junior programme, but now Crawford has made his way across to the green of Aston Martin.

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Aston Martin’s junior programme gives talented young drivers the opportunity to test older F1 machinery, with Crawford set for a stint in the AMR22 later this year. He will also be tasked with simulator work to give valuable feedback to the team, as well as getting a taste for media duties and the marketing commitments that go hand in hand with the world of F1.

"I am proud to take this next step in my career,” Crawford said. “The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is a great place to learn and grow, and the programme ahead sounds exciting. 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 was full of praise for Crawford, citing his “potential” as the 18-year-old continues his F2 journey with DAMS alongside the experience of Juan Manuel Correa.

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“As part of the growth of the team we want to offer talented young drivers a valuable development programme and I have no doubt Jak will flourish in this environment,” Krack said. “We are fortunate to have state-of-the art facilities and world-class personnel, who will prepare Jak to race at the very highest level.

“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.”