Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, is set for an FT1 outing after being signed by Aston Martin as a reserve driver
Recently crowned Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich has been signed by Aston Martin as a reserve driver and the first member of a new junior development programme. Drugovich clinched the Formula 2 title at Monza on Saturday with three races to go.
Aston Martin announced on Monday that Drugovich has been accepted into the junior programme and will make his debut in the first free practice session at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Brazilian will also undertake an extensive testing programme as part of his role, taking part in the Abu Dhabi post-season test and gaining track time in a 2021 car until next year. He will also take part in selected races to support 2023 drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
Drugovich: “Wants to race in Formula 1 in the future “
“Joining the AMF1 driver development programme is a fantastic opportunity for me and contributes to an extremely enjoyable and successful 2022 season,” said Drugovich. “Winning in Formula 2 has long been considered the best possible introduction to a career in Formula 1, and I see my role with AMF1 as giving me the tools I need to take that crucial next step.”
“For me, 2023 will be a learning curve: I will be working with the Formula 1 team, but my main goal is to learn and develop as a driver. I hope this will give me the opportunity to race in Formula 1 in the future. “
The Formula 2 title officially guaranteed him a super licence for 2023 and also ensured that he can now afford to do a practice session in Abu Dhabi without it distracting him from a Formula 2 title fight.
Why a PR coup in Brazil practice is not possible
Aston Martin gave one of its two rookie spots to Nyck de Vries at Monza last weekend and will have to field another until the end of the season.
However, there will be no PR coup by fielding Drugovich in his home race in Brazil, as it is a sprint weekend and one of the regular drivers would otherwise have to go straight into qualifying with no preparation. Therefore, the team has set its sights on the finale in Abu Dhabi.
In order to take part in an FT1 session this year, Drugovich has yet to acquire a Friday Super Licence, which means he will have to complete a 300-kilometre run in an actual car.
The Silverstone-based team still has a serviceable AMR21 from last season, which will be driven by Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award winner Zak O’Sullivan as part of his prize in October. Theoretically, the team could also have Drugovich driving on the same day.
Team boss Krack raves about Drugovich
The Brazilian is now one of the reserve drivers available to Aston Martin in Formula 1. This includes Nico Hülkenberg, who represented Sebastian Vettel in the first two races of the 2022 season. However, Hülkenberg is said to be aiming for a racing comeback at Haas next year.
“Felipe has shown incredible talent, determination and consistency to win this year’s FIA Formula 2 Championship,” enthused Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack. “I particularly remember his fantastic wins in the sprint and main races in Barcelona in May, which were very impressive.”
“We are delighted to have him join our driver development programme and we are also looking forward to welcoming him to our team in Abu Dhabi in November,” Krack continued.
Lawrence Stroll explains new junior programme
Aston Martin chief executive Lawrence Stroll saw the creation of the junior programme as “a fantastic opportunity to nurture the next generation of racing drivers”.
“We have watched and admired Felipe’s journey to success in Formula 2 this year and we want to give him all the skills and experience he needs to take the next step in his career,” said Stroll.
“In due course, the ultimate endorsement would be for him to become a Formula 1 driver and join the great ranks of Brazilian racing drivers like Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna. “
