Aston Martin has announced that their test and reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, will replace Fernando Alonso for the first practice session (FP1) at the Mexico City Grand Prix. This will mark Drugovich’s debut in the AMR24, and expectations are high as he fulfils Aston Martin's requirement to give rookie drivers two FP1 outings per season.
Who is Felipe Drugovich?
Felipe Drugovich, a 24-year-old Brazilian, is known for his remarkable rise in the motorsport world. He burst onto the international racing scene in 2022 after dominating the FIA Formula 2 Championship, a feat that solidified his reputation as one of the most promising talents in the junior categories. His exceptional career trajectory began in karting in Brazil, but soon he moved to Europe, where he continued to make waves, competing in Germany’s ADAC Formula 4 in 2016.
While he narrowly missed the Formula 4 title in a nail-biting showdown, Drugovich showcased his skills by winning the MRF Challenge title in India, outperforming future IndyCar winner Rinus VeeKay. He then conquered the Euroformula Open Championship in 2018, with a spectacular 14 victories out of 16 races, leaving no doubt about his potential.
Climbing the Ladder to F1
Drugovich’s journey through the ranks of motorsport was not without challenges. In 2019, he joined Carlin in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, competing alongside future F1 driver Logan Sargeant. Despite a difficult season with limited results, Drugovich remained resilient, shifting to Formula 2 the following year with MP Motorsport.
He immediately impressed, securing a win at the Red Bull Ring during his F2 debut weekend. The season saw him add more victories in Barcelona and Bahrain, along with a pole at Silverstone. After a stint with the Virtuosi team in 2021, where he faced challenges with the car’s pace, Drugovich rejoined MP Motorsport in 2022.
He exceeded all expectations, claiming wins in Saudi Arabia, Monaco, and Spain, and ultimately clinching the championship with a dominant performance. This success led Aston Martin to sign him as their reserve driver and the inaugural member of their Young Driver Development Programme.
A Vital Asset for Aston Martin
Drugovich’s role at Aston Martin in 2023 has been invaluable. He initially stepped up when Lance Stroll was injured just before pre-season testing, showcasing his adaptability and skill. Since then, he has played a crucial part in the AMR24's development through extensive simulator work and FP1 appearances.
As Aston Martin describes, Drugovich’s “relentless consistency and work ethic” have made him an essential asset in their bid to maximize the car’s performance. Drugovich’s FP1 appearance in Mexico offers him another chance to prove his mettle on the track. This opportunity underscores Aston Martin's confidence in him and his potential to contribute significantly to their season.