Aston Martin confirm FP1 driver change as Stroll steps aside in Austria

Reflecting on the opportunity, Crawford said he is delighted to be back behind the wheel of the AMR26 during a race weekend, with the Austrian Grand Prix marking a return to a circuit he knows well. The American also described the occasion as a special one, coming almost two years after his first test in an Aston Martin Formula 1 car at the Red Bull Ring.

After spending much of the season supporting the team through simulator work and recently taking part in Pirelli’s tyre test in Barcelona, Crawford is now looking forward to putting that experience into practice on track. He also underlined the value of every opportunity in a Formula 1 car, with his focus firmly on providing useful feedback and maximising the session for the team.

“I've spent a lot of time in the simulator this season supporting the team and recently completed the tyre test in Barcelona, so I'm looking forward to applying that work on track. Every opportunity in a Formula One car is valuable, and I'll be focused on delivering useful feedback and maximising the session for the team.”

Aston Martin Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack highlighted Crawford’s continued importance in his role as third driver, describing the FP1 appearance as another key step in his development.

The American has been heavily involved in the team’s simulator programme throughout the season and recently completed a productive outing during Pirelli’s tyre test in Barcelona. According to Krack, the Austrian Grand Prix will provide a further opportunity to assess Crawford’s progress in a race weekend environment while also helping the team gather valuable data.