The highest-ranked American in the pipeline to F1 is a Texas native with multiple F2 wins under his belt. The pressure to perform couldn't be higher.
Formula 1 has had a shaky relationship with American drivers. Despite Liberty Media’s extensive efforts to capture the $69 billion US sports market, the historically Euro-centric sport hasn’t produced a competitive American driver this century. Jak Crawford, the highest ranked American in the pipeline to F1, hopes he can change that.
The 19-year-old, raised on the go-kart tracks of Texas, has secured two wins and 10 podiums throughout his Formula 2 career, currently racing for DAMS Lucas Oil. “It’s crazy to think I’m the closest American to F1,” Crawford told Motorsport.
“Americans want to see a driver who’s winning and doing really well for their country, so that’s my goal. I have a great opportunity to become the American driver [if] I’m able to do it.”
Crawford is currently fifth place in the F2 standings — ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman who are bound for F1 seats with Mercedes and Haas, respectively, next season. “Being ahead of them in the championship gives me confidence and reassurance that I could do that too if I get the chance,” he said. Crawford had also surpassed Argentina’s Franco Colapinto in F2 standings, who was called up to F1 by Williams over the summer. “I’m looking forward to getting that chance one day to show what I can do,” he added confidently.
