Junior drivers Jak Crawford and Victor Martins have been confirmed as participating in this weekend’s Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, in two very different roles.
Crawford will take to the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit in FP1 on Friday, his third outing of the year following similar outings at Japan and Austria, replacing Fernando Alonso for the second time this season.
In his third FP1 session of 2026, Crawford is spending quality time in the cockpit of the AMR26 as part of his Test and Reserve duties, with one more opportunity left as part of the FIA’s mandated rules on young driver FP1 appearances.
But his time inside Aston Martin’s F1 cars is not just limited to 2026 machinery, as he drove last season’s AMR25 up the famous Goodwood Hill over the weekend.
In a short statement, Aston Martin confirmed Crawford’s participation in Friday’s first practice session in Belgium.
“We’re pleased to share that Jak Crawford will be back in the AMR26 this weekend at the Belgian GP for FP1, marking his third Free Practice 1 appearance of the season,” the statement read.
“Jak will replace Fernando as part of the team’s four mandated rookie practice sessions this year.
Victor Martins to become Reserve driver in Spa
Crawford is not the only junior driver in action, with Martins Reserve Driver, taking over from Luke Browning, who is racing in Japanese Super Formula.
“Atlassian Williams F1 Team confirms that Victor Martins will fulfil the role of Reserve Driver at the Belgian Grand Prix, standing in for Luke Browning, who is racing in Round 4 of the Super Formula Championship in Japan.
“Victor steps into a trackside role for the second time this season having recently fulfilled the reserve driver role at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix.
“Victor joined the team as a member of the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy in 2025 before graduating to the role of Test & Development Driver in 2026.
“He has been working closely with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz from the factory, contributing to car development and setup refinement during race weekends.”
Unlike Crawford, Martins will not get an outing in Belgium, his last FP1 appearance being the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
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