Crawford has his first F1 test with Aston Martin in Austria

F2 racer and Aston Martin junior completed his first F1 test with the team at Red Bull Ring circuit as part of his development programme.

Jak Crawford had his first taste of Formula One machinery today as he completed more than 400km of running at the Red Bull Ring, the home of the Austrian Grand Prix, marking his debut with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The 19-year-old American racer, currently in his second FIA Formula 2 season, got behind the wheel of the AMR22 in Austria and quickly got to grips.

Good weather in the Styrian hills throughout the day meant for uninterrupted track time which allowed Jak the opportunity to complete a variety of short and long runs to understand the car and tyres more. The test is the latest step in the Young Driver Development programme for Jak who will continue to join Aston Martin Aramco at race events to observe and learn from the race drivers and team.

He will also continue supporting race operations with frequent simulator work at the AMR Technology Campus. Jak’s focus now turns back to Formula 2 as he prepares for round six in Barcelona on 21-23 June 2024.

Jak Crawford, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Young Driver, said: “A big thank you to everyone at Aston Martin Aramco who has helped to make this happen and for their support at the test. My first day in an F1 car was a great experience and I enjoyed every lap.

“It was a clean and smooth day for us with no issues and we completed all the running that we wanted to. The main goal for me was to get up to speed and get used to the systems of the car. It was a learning process for me and in the end, it was nothing like I’ve ever driven before, especially in the high speed sections. I feel like I adapted quite well and I’m excited for the next one.”

Robert Sattler, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Evolution Programme Director, said: “It is always a special moment seeing a young driver complete their first laps in a Formula One car. After a full day of running Jak has gained some valuable experience that he can take forward into his other tests in the programme. We know that the switch in driving style between F2 to F1 is not easy, but Jak adapted to the car quickly and he worked well with the team to improve as the day progressed.”

Here’s videos: https://x.com/AstonMartinF1/status/1798324087904956526

https://x.com/AstonMartinF1/status/1798362760440647759

https://x.com/AstonMartinF1/status/1798377245633061118

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[Note: The story is as per press release]