Photo: Formula Motorsport Ltd
Reigning Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich will continue to serve as Aston Martin’s reserve and test driver in Formula 1 for 2024.
Drugovich was signed by Aston Martin to the role days after winning the F2 title in September 2022, and he completed his first F1 test with the team in a year-old car at Silverstone. He then drove for Aston Martin in practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as in the post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit the week after.
The 23-year-old Brazilian started 2023 by driving for Aston Martin in pre-season testing and being added to McLaren’s roster of F1 reserve drivers. During the season he has driven in private tests for Aston Martin and in practice at the Italian Grand Prix, and also taken part in an official test and a practice session for Maserati in Formula E.
His next F1 outing will be in Abu Dhabi GP practice later this month, and he will take over the Aston Martin AMR23 usually raced by Fernando Alonso.
“I’m really proud to be continuing to work with Aston Martin for a second season,” said Drugovich. “This year, I’ve learnt a huge amount – not just at the racetrack, but working with the engineers in the simulator and from the development programme that was designed for me.
“I’m proud of the contribution I’ve been able to make, and pleased that I’ve been able to help progress the development of AMR23. My focus now shifts towards preparing for the upcoming FP1 session at Abu Dhabi – I’m already looking forward to driving the AMR23 again – and to the work I’ll be doing with the engineers over the winter to prepare for 2024.”
Aston Martin’s F1 team principal Mike Krack praised the work Drugovich has done so far when he has been in the AMR23:
“Everyone at Aston Martin is incredibly pleased that Felipe will be staying with us in 2024. He’s a familiar face within the team; he understands the particular demands of the role, has a tremendous work ethic, and has shown his speed and experience after stepping in superbly for an injured Lance Stroll during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“Every time he gets behind the wheel, we clearly see the strength of his contribution: his pace, feedback and commitment are all extremely valuable to our engineers. We are already looking forward to him rounding out his season in style with another opportunity to drive the AMR23 during FP1 of the Abu Dhabi GP. We look forward to another productive season together next year.”