Formula One driver Fernando Alonso's role changes as he joins Jaguar
Aston Martin replaces Fernando Alonso with junior driver Jak Crawford in free practice at the Japanese Grand Prix due to new rookie training regulations, as Alons will not take part in session EL1 and is replaced by British team member Crawford for his driving development during this week's tests
Key Points
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1Aston Martin has confirmed that reserve driver Jak Crawford will replace Fernando Alonso in Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix.
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2The move allows Aston Martin's AMR26 car to complete one of its mandatory practice sessions for an unstarted rookie, as required by F1 regulations.
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3This marks a significant change from previous seasons where experienced drivers like Carlos Sainz or Lewis Hamilton typically drove these slots in Japan.
Developments
Perspectives
Aston Martin has confirmed that reserve driver Jak Crawford will take part in Free Practice 1 at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, replacing Fernando Alonso for the opening session. This move allows Silverstone-based team to complete one of its mandatory rookie practice sessions required under FIA regulations.
— [Mar 24, 06:58] Fernando Alonso to Sit Out Japanese GP FP1 (Athlonsports)Aston Martin is sacrificing driving time for the driver in Japan by handing over their EL1 car to a rookie. The team has announced that Jak Crawford will take control of Aston's AMR26 instead.
— [Mar 23, 18:47] Alonso cédera son volant en essais libres 1 au Japon (F1actu)Aston Martin is changing its lineup in view of the Japanese GP due to regulations. Instead of Fernando Alonsa sitting out FP1 at Suzuka.
— [Mar 23, 18:30] Aston Martin zbog pravila mijenja postavu uoči VN Japana (Net.hr)Fernando Alonso will skip the first practice session of Formula One's Japanese Grand Prix. Jak Crawford is set to drive in FP.
— [Mar 24, 06:58] Fernando Alonso to Sit Out Japanese GP FP1 (Athlonsports)Aston Martin has confirmed reserve driver Jak Crawford will replace Fernando Alonso for the opening practice session of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. This move enables Aston Martin, a Silverstone-based team with mandatory rookie requirements under FIA regulations to complete one such required training event in 2026 at Suzuka Circuit Japan
Aston Martin a confié le monoplace AMR26 de Fernando Alonso au pilote rookie Jak Crawford lors du troisième Grand Prix des essais libres à Suzuka pour collecter plus rapidement les données nécessaires. Cette décision vise à soulager la voiture, souffrant actuellement d'un manque compétitif et de problèmes techniques majeurs qui retardent ses évolutions prévues avant l'arrivée prochaine des pièces nouvelles sur le circuit.