Aston Martin, Crawford again in FP1
Small lineup change for Aston Martin in the first free practice session at Spa-Francorchamps. Jak Crawford will indeed take the place of Fernando Alonso as part of the obligation for teams to field a rookie in at least four seasonal FP1 sessions.
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For the American, who finished second last year in the Formula 2 championship, this is the third outing after those in Suzuka and the Red Bull Ring. Alonso had also left him the seat in Japan, so this will be the last FP1 session that Nando will miss in 2026. Next time it will be Stroll who will give up the wheel to the reserve.
Crawford, overall, is at his fifth race weekend in F1, having already driven in 2025 in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi, where he also took part in the rookie test.
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Crucial days
The next two weekends will be very important for Aston Martin. Adrian Newey has in fact designed a version B of the car, which will debut in Hungary and promises a significant step forward. Spa could therefore be the last “suffering” weekend for Alonso. From the effectiveness of the fixes, the two-time world champion will understand what to do for 2027. At his age, the Spaniard needs facts and can no longer chase promises.
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