Overview
- Aston Martin is the first team in 2026 to name a rookie for FP1, making the move at only the third round.
- F1 rules require four rookie practice runs per season, two per car, and this session covers one of Aston Martin’s allocations.
- The team says the run supports young‑driver development and data gathering after Crawford’s heavy simulator work.
- The AMR26 has been plagued by severe vibrations that harm battery components and curb race mileage, leaving the team last after two races.
- Crawford, 20, previously logged two FP1 outings with the team and more than 3,000 km in its cars, and he has not driven Suzuka before.