Aston Martin Announces Replacement as Lance Stroll Set To Miss Mexico GP FP1

Aston Martin has announced that reserve driver Jak Crawford will replace Lance Stroll for the opening practice session of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. The 21-year-old American driver will get back behind the wheel of Stroll’s AMR26 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as the team completes its mandatory rookie practice outings for the season.

Crawford, who finished runner-up in the 2025 Formula 2 championship, will make his fourth and last FP1 appearance of the season on Saturday, October 31. He first took over the car for a practice session at the Japanese GP, then at the Austrian GP and the Belgian GP, to gather data and support the team’s development programme.

Crawford has continued to work closely with Aston Martin as their third driver through its simulator programme and trackside duties. He will have another opportunity in Mexico to gain a handful of experience and contribute to the team’s weekend preparations.

Jak Crawford Reacts to his Return to F1 FP1 Session

Aston Martin announced the driver change on Thursday, October 22, on the eve of the United States GP. Crawford, who replaces Lance Stroll, will return to the Mexico City circuit, where he made his F1 FP1 debut for the team in 2025.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the AMR26 in Mexico City,” Crawford told PLANETF1, expressing his feelings about the return. It’s a special circuit for me as it’s where I made my FP1 debut last year, so it’s great to return with more experience under my belt.

“I’ve learned a lot through my time on track and in the simulator this season, and I’m looking forward to putting that into practice. It’s also special to be announcing this during my home race weekend in Austin. As always, the focus will be on making the most of the session and delivering useful feedback for the team.”

Why will Lance Stroll Miss FP1 at the Mexico City GP?

Stroll will sit out FP1 in Mexico because of F1‘s mandatory rookie-running regulations. It is not an indication of an injury or full-time driver change.

Under the rules, each team must field eligible rookie drivers in four FP1 sessions during the season. These outings allow young, talented drivers to gain experience and track time in F1 cars while helping teams assess emerging talent.

Lance Stroll will return to the cockpit for the remaining practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race of the Mexico weekend, alongside teammate Fernando Alonso, as Aston Martin continues its preparations for the race weekend.

Watch Lance Stroll in action at the United States GP at the Circuit of the Americas from October 23 to 25.

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