F1 tests, simulator sessions and fighting for the F2 title. Aston Martin Aramco junior driver Jak Crawford talks us through his year so far as he dovetails racing in F2 with being on our Young Driver Development Programme.
Formula Two has provided its usual dose of excitement and hard-fought racing this year.
For Jak Crawford it's been a strong campaign, having achieved his maiden win in the championship and multiple podiums.
Balancing that with duties for Aston Martin Aramco, including simulator work and representing the team at Grands Prix, it's been a busy period for the American racer.
Fresh from a well-earned summer shutdown, he gives us the lowdown on his season and what he's learned from working with our team before F2 resumes in Monza this weekend.
What are your thoughts on your F2 season so far?
"It's been a positive year. As a driver I always feel I could have done more at times but I've matched my expectations performance-wise this year.
"There have been occasions where things haven't really gone my way or there have been issues out of my control, but that's racing and it happens to everyone. By the end of the season, everyone will have had their fair share of good and bad fortune. It all evens out.
"Of course, there's added pressure to perform if you have some bad rounds but this year I've been able to manage that well. From my perspective, I've matched my expectations from the start of the season, if not exceeded them."
What have been your standout moments in the first part of the campaign?
"Winning the Spanish round was a proud moment for me. It was pretty much a flawless weekend, from almost qualifying on pole to having a strong Sprint Race and then dominating the Feature Race to take my maiden F2 win.
"Silverstone also stands out. Although I had the Feature Race win taken away from me due to a penalty for an unsafe release, I crossed the line first and I put that weekend up there with Barcelona because I drove really well and it felt effortless at times. I was really happy with that race and it was just a shame how it ended.
"Spa last time out, when I got a podium in the Feature Race, was another high, and Jeddah was strong too."
What key lessons have you learnt this year?
"I've deepened my knowledge of managing the tyres and setting up the car, and how that translates into feeling on the track. I've got a wider appreciation and understanding of what it takes to be fast.
"Another lesson, particularly in F2, is that anything can happen and it's important to stay positive because, even if you have a terrible weekend, you can arrive at the next round and get a great result. It can all change very quickly.
"I've also taken a lot of confidence from the fact that when everything is put together well from my side I can perform, even if we don’t have the fastest car. When we execute the weekend well, we can win races and that's a great feeling to have. Every clean weekend I've had I've been on the podium. When the whole package comes together, I have a lot of confidence that I can win."
You're a member of the Aston Martin Aramco Young Driver Development Programme. What are some of your highlights from the programme so far?
"Unsurprisingly, the biggest highlight was driving a Formula One car for the first time in Austria, and then again at Silverstone. Those were amazing experiences and I loved driving both the AMR22 and the AMR24.
"Other standouts are the races in Miami and Canada which I attended with the team. They were a great learning experience and a lot of fun seeing first-hand how we operate and go about racing globally.
"And, more specifically, I remember the Japanese Grand Prix weekend very well. I was providing sim support for the team in Suzuka and I remember waking up at 03:00 in the morning and being at the AMR Technology Campus until around 16:00. That early start and sim session really stands out! I loved doing it and helping the team over a Grand Prix weekend."
How much has working with the team benefitted your driving?
"It's helped a lot. The sim work has been particularly important. I've been able to drive different tracks, try various car setups, and understand new ways to drive and go fast.
"It's sharpened my ability to give and take on feedback. Working alongside with highly skilled F1 engineers has helped me take on-board and use information more efficiently, but also give it in a constructive, concise manner."
What's on your schedule with the team for the rest of this year?
"I'll be going to my two home races in Austin and Las Vegas, which I’m really looking forward to.
"There's also a two-month gap after the F2 races in Monza and Baku before the final two rounds, so I've mentioned to our simulator engineers at the AMR Technology Campus that I'll have a lot of free time!"
How do you view this year's F2 title race? You're currently sat in fifth, 65 points off leader Isack Hadjar.
"Obviously I want to win the championship.
"There have been some races, especially at the beginning year, where things didn't go my way and were a setback but, since the win in Barcelona, I've outscored most of the field and I've done a good job.
"At the end of the day, I'll most likely be fighting for second, especially as Isack's in quite good form.
"I'm 29 points off second, though, and that's a good goal for the rest of the year. Being realistic, I want to finish in the top three and then if Isack has any issues, I'll aim to capitalise."
Finally, how was your summer break?
"I went back home to the US. I went on holiday with my family to Colorado and my mum and I went paragliding for the first time which was hugely exciting, we also did some mountain biking and hiking too.
"It was nice to just get away from racing for a bit before getting back into the swing of things. The break went very quickly but now I'm ready to get back racing, starting at Monza this weekend."
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