Former Red Bull junior joins Aston Martin

Crawford was part of Red Bull's famous junior set-up for four years before being dropped at the end of 2023.

The American driver, who endured his rookie Formula 2 campaign last year with Hitech, will return to the junior series this year with DAMS.

Crawford now has the support of Aston Martin, who will also provide the 18-year-old with private test opportunities during the year.

“I am proud to take this next step in my career,” Crawford said. “The Aston Martin team is a great place to learn and grow, and the programme ahead sounds exciting.

“I cannot wait to start working with everyone – especially on the simulator where I can make a contribution to the team’s performance on race weekends.

“I’m thrilled to get the chance to drive the AMR22 car later this year. It is a big motivator for me to work hard and make the most of this great opportunity.”C

Aston Martin detailed that Crawford's role will include supporting “race operations with frequent driver-in-the-loop simulator work at the AMR Technology Campus”.

The Silverstone-based squad is aiming to continue its resurgence after ending last year's F1 season fifth in the Constructors' Championship.

Mike Krack, Aston Martin's Team Principal, added: “A big welcome to Jak as he begins an exciting journey with the Aston Martin team.

“He has shown great potential throughout his junior career and we look forward to supporting his learning and development as he steps into the AMR22 for the first time.

“As part of the growth of the team we want to offer talented young drivers a valuable development programme and I have no doubt Jak will flourish in this environment.

“We are fortunate to have state-of-the-art facilities and world-class personnel, who will prepare Jak to race at the very highest level.”