Report: Aston Martin now set to sign ‘dedicated’ 18-year-old driver after being released by Red Bull

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Aston Martin may not have confirmed either driver for the 2025 season, but have one eye on the future already as they look set to sign youngster Jak Crawford.

Crawford was originally part of the Red Bull Junior Team, but alongside two other racers who competed in Formula 2 last year, he left the team in the winter.

Now, a report from RACER suggests he’s about to link up with one outfit in the F1 paddock.

It seems like the only way to break onto the Formula 1 grid right now is to be part of a team’s academy.

Nyck de Vries was very much the exception last year when he was hired by AlphaTauri although he only lasted 10 races.

Oscar Piastri would have had a seat with Alpine for 2023 had McLaren not poached and despite being beaten by several rivals in F2, Logan Sargeant got the nod with Williams.

However, the path of F1 with Red Bull looks very congested right now.

Liam Lawson seems almost guaranteed to be handed the next available seat within the team while there are high hopes for Isack Hadjar too.

It makes sense that Crawford and Red Bull parted ways and now Aston Martin look set to benefit.

The 18-year-old will be racing with DAMS in Formula 2 this year and hoping to challenge at the front of the pack.

With both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll not yet confirmed for 2025, a stellar campaign at that level might just give Mike Krack something to think about.

Aston Martin look set to hire Crawford

The report from RACER suggests that while Crawford’s performances weren’t enough to retain a place in Red Bull’s Junior Team, they believe he’s now been picked up by Aston Martin.

DAMS team principal and former F1 driver Charles Pic said of the young American: “We’re delighted to have such a young talent in Jak driving for us next season.

“He has already demonstrated his ability and dedication throughout his career and showed he is ready to compete at the front in F2 with his victory and podiums this year.

“We’re excited to work with him during post-season testing at Abu Dhabi and to deliver a strong 2024 campaign together.”

Aston Martin may be trying to play into the increased interest in the United States in Formula 1 by hiring Crawford.

There aren’t a huge number of talents coming through from the USA that could create the excitement that F1 are hoping for.

Sargeant is barely a household name in the States given his average performances with Williams.

It might take a youngster like Crawford for the country to finally sit up and take notice of F1 once again.