In a surprising turn of events, Aston Martin has announced that two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso will sit out the first practice session at the Belgian Grand Prix. This decision comes as Alonso continues to grapple with a challenging 2026 season, managing to secure just a single championship point across nine races.
At 44, Alonso has faced fierce competition from his teammate Lance Stroll, recently being outqualified by him on two occasions—a stark contrast to their 2025 season, where he dominated qualifying. As the team prepares for crucial upgrades in the coming races, the pressure mounts on Alonso to make a decision about his future with Aston Martin, as his current contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
For FP1 at Spa-Francorchamps, Aston Martin will turn to reserve driver Jak Crawford, who will take the wheel of the AMR26. This move aligns with F1 regulations requiring teams to field rookie drivers at least twice each season, providing young talents with invaluable experience in the sport.
Crawford, who finished as the runner-up in last year’s Formula 2 championship, was named Aston Martin’s reserve driver after Felipe Drugovich’s departure. This will mark Crawford’s third practice outing of the season, and he faces the daunting task of tuning the AMR26 to reach its optimal performance level for the weekend.
Recently, Crawford showcased his skills at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where he raced Aston Martin’s 2025 car. With several testing sessions already under his belt in the AMR26, he is keen to impress the team, especially with potential vacancies looming for the next season.
As the Belgian Grand Prix approaches, fans are left wondering: will Alonso rise to the occasion and reclaim his place, or is this the beginning of a new chapter for Aston Martin?
