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Photo: Aston Martin F1

Jak Crawford will drive in a Formula 1 practice session for the first time at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix with Aston Martin.

The American is one of the team’s junior drivers, and has already accumulated F1 test mileage exceeding 1240 miles in Aston Martin’s chassis from the previous three seasons. He will take over Lance Stroll’s car for FP1 in Mexico.

This year Crawford is fighting for the Formula 2 title, and is currently second in the standings with two rounds to go. There has been eight points-free races and a non-start, but the 20-year-old has won an unmatched three feature races and a sprint race.

“I’m thrilled to drive the AMR25 in Mexico for my first official F1 [practice] session,” said Crawford.

“I’ve worked closely with the team all year, so to now take the next step and get track time on a grand prix weekend is really exciting. Announcing this in Texas [at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix], where I’m from, makes it even more special after a busy week with the team and Aramco in Houston.”

Aston Martin is required to run a ‘young driver’ in practice at one more event this season, with its reserve driver Felipe Drugovich having made two FP1 outings earlier this year.

“It’s fantastic to give Jak the opportunity to take part in FP1 in Mexico,” Andy Cowell, Aston Martin’s F1 team principal, said.

“He’s shown real maturity and provided strong technical feedback throughout the year, and these sessions are an important part of how we develop young talent. Jak has had a strong season in F2 and has been a key contributor to the development of both the AMR25 and AMR26. This is a great chance for him to continue progressing while helping us gather valuable data.”

There is still no clarification on how the ‘Aston Martin F1 Team Driver Academy‘ launched this June differs from the existing driver development programme which Drugovich and Crawford have been supported by.

The new academy did however announce in July a partnership with karting team DPK Racing, which since then has been entering Kart Republic chassis in competitions under FA branding and with Aston Martin-inspired liveries. FA Racing is the multi-discipline junior motorsport brand belonging to Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso.

So far DPK’s drivers have not gained academy membership despite the alliance, with FIA Formula 3 race-winner the only confirmed driver in its ranks presently.