Drugovich, reserve driver for Aston Martin, Alonso’s next team

The team Aston-Martin Aramco Knows of Formula One was informed this Monday that the Brazilian Philip Drugovichrecently proclaimed champion of Formula 2became the first member of its Driver Development Program.

The 22-year-old Brazilian won five races to take over last weekend in Monza (Italy) the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship. He signed his contract on the same day as his coronation.

“The Driver Development Program was designed in agreement with the engineers and management of AMF1 and aims to provide a ladder for junior drivers to reach Formula One,” recalled the team.

As a member of the program, Felipe Drugovich will be one of the team’s reserve drivers, added Aston Martin, the team for which the Spaniard will drive next year Fernando Alonsoor, instead of German Sebastian Vettel; and the canadian Lance Strolling.

The team’s intention is for the Brazilian to take part in the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 18, replacing Stroll, and also take part in the November young drivers’ test at the Yas Marina circuit.

For 2023, he will undertake an extensive testing program behind the wheel of the 2021 AMR21 car and attend several Grands Prix as a team member.

“Being a member of the AMF1 Driver Development Program is a fantastic opportunity for me, and it only adds to what has already been a very fun and successful 2022 season,” said Aston Martin’s Felipe Drugovich.

“Winning in Formula 2 has long been considered the best possible launching pad for a career in Formula 1, and I see my role in AMF1 as giving me all the tools to take that important step,” he added.

“For me, 2023 will be a learning curve: I will work with the F1 team, but my main goal is to learn and develop as a driver. I hope that this will give me the opportunity to compete in Formula 1 in the future” , comments of Brazilians. .