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Why Jak Crawford believes 2027 could finally open door to Formula 1

22:01, 15 Jan

byDrew Murphy

Formula 2 runner-up Jak Crawford believes that the 2027 season will be his best chance at securing a place on the F1 grid.

Crawford is a former Red Bull junior, now a test driver for Aston Martin since 2024, but has yet to be given the shot to race in Formula 1 as the Silverstone outfit remains unchanged with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

Jak Crawford during post-season testing for Aston Martin. Photo: RacePictures

The American reportedly held talks with Cadillac, but the team opted for experience, signing veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas — Bottas himself calling the decision a no-brainer.

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Crawford’s 2026 season will involve a racing-free season as Aston Martin’s reserve, hoping to follow Oscar Piastri’s path, who was sidelined after his F2 title yet highly sought for his 2023 F1 debut, ultimately moving from Alpine to McLaren.

At last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, Crawford said: “I think ‘27 is, of course, my closest shot.

“I'll be hopefully still relevant then, after only a year out racing in F2, ending that well, and being in the paddock at all the races next year.

Photo: RacePictures

“I feel like it's good to be around the paddock, it keeps your name on people's mouths, people see you. So I think ‘27 is my best opportunity for a race seat.”

But not every third driver reaches F1, as shown by former Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich, who left after three years to race full-time in Formula E

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The former Andretti Formula E reserve driver added: “Of course, there's always a bit of worry that you can't get a seat in Formula 1 because it's everyone's dream.

“All the drivers that are here being reserve drivers, they all want to race full-time in F1.

“So, of course, you're not there yet, so you're still trying to work for that, and you also have to earn it, of course.

“I'm not worried. I feel like if I do a good job in my role, then there will be opportunities in the future.”

Photo: RacePictures

Crawford is confident that missing a racing programme won’t hinder his F1 prospects after multiple Aston tests, with more planned this year.

“I don't have to also focus on Formula 2 and Formula E, which I've done a bit this year.

“Full focus [is] on the F1 programme, so it'll be good to be fully focused on that, and I think that prepares me the best.

“I feel like I'm at a good level, especially in my racing, so that anything after that I just need to kind of learn and be around the Formula 1 team.

“And I feel like anything I need to learn in Formula 1, besides obviously racing in Formula 1, I can do with track time, with simulator time, with being at the races.”

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