Jak Crawford to Pilot Aston Martin’s AMR26 in Mexico City FP1

In a move that has excited the Indian Formula 1 community, Aston Martin has confirmed that 22‑year‑old American driver Jak Crawford will take the seat of the AMR26 during the first free‑practice session of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. The announcement came from the team’s official website and was echoed by the Formula 1 news portal, both of which are reputable sources for race‑day information.

Crawford, who has shown promise in the lower‑tier championships, will have the chance to test the new car on the demanding street circuit of Autódromo Hermanos Reyes. The team’s decision to give him a front‑row seat in Mexico City is part of a broader strategy to integrate the driver into the 2026 lineup ahead of the full season. While the exact role Crawford will play during the race weekend remains to be clarified, the team has indicated that he will be involved in early practice sessions to help fine‑tune the car’s setup.

For Indian fans, the news means more live coverage opportunities. The Mexico City Grand Prix will be broadcast on FanCode India, with the free‑practice sessions available on the platform’s live‑streaming service. The first practice session is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM IST on Thursday, 29th March, giving viewers a chance to see Crawford’s performance in real time. The team’s official social media accounts will also provide live updates and behind‑the‑scenes footage, which can be accessed through the FanCode app.

While the decision to field Crawford in Mexico City is a clear sign of Aston Martin’s confidence in his abilities, it also reflects the team’s willingness to experiment with driver line‑ups in the early stages of the season. The outcome of the free‑practice session will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike, as it could influence the team’s strategy for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

Source: Formula1.com