Young American sensation Jak Crawford has made it clear: if Aston Martin can’t offer him a race seat, he won’t hesitate to consider a groundbreaking opportunity with Cadillac’s future Formula 1 team.
Cadillac’s 2026 Ambitions: The American Dream Grows Closer
With Cadillac poised to join Formula 1 in 2026, the American automaker’s partnership with Andretti Global has reignited hope for American drivers on the grid. Historically, the Andretti-Cadillac project has championed the idea of securing at least one American driver—and now, young star Jak Crawford may be at the center of that ambition.
Crawford, currently a reserve driver for Aston Martin, isn’t ruling anything out when it comes to his F1 future. Speaking candidly after his debut outing in the Abu Dhabi post-season test, Crawford admitted that the allure of a race seat—any race seat—would be too big to ignore.
“Obviously at the moment I’m with Aston Martin and the plan is to be with them and learn and develop,” Crawford said. “But of course, if any race seat came up, I would love to have one. It’s my dream.”
The Top American Prospect: Crawford Stands Out
At just 18 years old, Crawford is flying the flag for the United States in Formula 2, where he currently holds the title of the highest-ranked American driver in the European junior ladder. While IndyCar boasts several American contenders, Crawford says his achievements place him as the strongest option for an American F1 seat in the near future.
“I’m doing F2 next year; there aren’t many Americans on the F2, F3 side,” Crawford explained. “On that side, you could say I’m definitely the top American at the moment, on the European side.”
From Abu Dhabi Test to F1 Confidence
Crawford’s optimism is well-founded after a confidence-boosting performance during the Abu Dhabi post-season test, where he made his first official appearance in an F1 car. Despite the immense pressure, the Texas native felt right at home.
“I feel very comfortable in the car,” he revealed. “You never really know how you’re going to stack up or compare in your first official session, and I feel like I performed well.”
Adding to his belief are the recent successes of his Formula 2 rivals—drivers who have already stepped up to F1 and shown competitive form. “It definitely gives me confidence that I can compete. Especially since a lot of my rivals this year in Formula 2 are moving up and already doing well in Formula 1.”
The Path to Cadillac: A Strategic Move?
While Aston Martin remains Crawford’s immediate focus, the reality of a crowded grid leaves the door open for a future move to Cadillac. With General Motors and Andretti pushing for a spot in F1 and maintaining a clear pro-American driver stance, Crawford is in a prime position to capitalize on the opportunity.
If Aston Martin can’t deliver on their promise of development and a race seat, Crawford could become Cadillac’s marquee signing—a move that would cement him as the face of American motorsport on the F1 grid.
A Dream in Motion
For Jak Crawford, the ultimate goal remains crystal clear: “It’s my dream” to race in Formula 1. Whether that dream comes to life in Aston Martin green or Cadillac white and blue remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain—Crawford’s talent, confidence, and timing have placed him on the cusp of something extraordinary. If Cadillac is serious about bringing American firepower to F1, they may have already found their driver.