Aston Martin retains Stoffel Vandoorne as simulator, test and reserve driver for 2026

Aston Martin has confirmed that it has retained Stoffel Vandoorne as its simulator, test and reserve driver for 2026.

The Belgian driver has been part of the Silverstone outfit since 2023, initially joining as the reserve and simulator driver alongside 2022 Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich. 

After making his Formula 1 debut in 2016 with McLaren, where he also served as a reserve driver, the 33-year-old made 41 race starts and collected 26 points. He has also raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2019, 2021 and 2024, the World Endurance Championship with a best finish of second in 2021, and Formula E, where he won the championship in the 2021-22 season.

Vandoorne will serve as the simulator, test and reserve driver for Aston Martin with Jak Crawford as the team's third driver. This means that if one of the team's main drivers, Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll, is unable to race, Crawford will be the first option to take the position.

"Momentum continues. Together," the team shared. "Stoffel will remain in his role as Simulator, Test and Reserve Driver in 2026, while Jak continues as the team’s Third Driver."

Fans praised the decision. "Put him in the main seat and you’ll have 2 competitive drivers," one fan commented, while another added: "Consistency in the cockpit is a major competitive advantage. This line-up offers the perfect balance of experience and emerging talent."

The announcement from Aston Martin comes during private testing for the 2026 F1 season in Barcelona. While the testing began on Monday 26 January, the Lawrence Stroll-owned team plans to get on track on Thursday.

"The AMR26 will be in Barcelona later this week for its shakedown. Our intention is to run Thursday and Friday," Aston Martin told Motorsport.com.

Aston Martin is also scheduled to unveil the livery of the AMR26 during a launch event on 9 February, before testing in Bahrain on 11-13 February and 18-20 February.