Aston Martin to replace Fernando Alonso for opening practice in Japan
Fernando Alonso will sit out of first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix for Aston Martin.
Aston Martin has announced that Jak Crawford will get a Formula 1 practice outing at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
The troubled Silverstone-based squad has become the first team to confirm plans to run a rookie driver during an FP1 session in 2026, with Aston Martin reserve Crawford stepping in.
Crawford will deputise for Fernando Alonso, who will sit out of the opening hour of practice running on Friday morning at Suzuka.
All 11 F1 teams are obliged to run a rookie driver - classified as such by having fewer than two grands prix starts - in four practice sessions across the course of a season.
While such outings are commonplace, Aston Martin’s decision to do so at only the third round of the season in Japan is an unusual step.
Aston Martin will nevertheless fulfil one of its mandated rookie FP1 outings earlier than any of its rivals.
Explaining the decision, Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack said: "It’s great that we’re able to give Jak another opportunity in FP1 as part of our ongoing commitment to developing young talent.
“He has been working hard, especially in the simulator back at Silverstone, and this session will allow him to continue building valuable track experience.
“It’s an important opportunity for him to keep progressing, while also contributing to the team by gathering useful data and feedback.”
Crawford, who has been on Aston Martin’s books since making the switch from Red Bull in 2024, added: "I’m really excited to get behind the wheel and drive for the team at Suzuka. t’s such a historic yet demanding circuit, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in the simulator to real track conditions.
“A big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity. As with my previous FP1 sessions, I’m looking forward to making the most of it and learning as much as I can.”
The 20-year-old American finished runner-up in Formula 2 last year but currently has no full-time racing programme for 2026.
Aston Martin has endured a nightmare start to the 2026 season and is last in the constructors’ championship after two races.
The AMR26 is lagging well behind the competition and is beset by severe vibration issues that have prevented Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll from completing a full grand prix distance.
Alonso was seen taking both hands off the steering wheel on the straights during the Chinese Grand Prix before retiring from the race.
The Japanese Grand Prix marks Honda's home race.
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