Felipe Drugovich continues with Aston Martin in Test and Reserve Driver role

2022 Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich will continue in the role of Test and Reserve Driver for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team.

On the eve of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Aston Martin confirmed that the Brazilian would carry on his duties after joining the team’s driver development programme.

Along with his extension, Drugovich will also be driving in Free Practice 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later this month, the second such session he has conducted this year after his outing at Monza.

Drugovich said that he was proud to be continuing his work with Aston Martin and that the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the AMR23 once more was hugely exciting.

“I’m really proud to be continuing to work with Aston Martin for a second season. 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.

“I want to thank the whole team for their incredible support over the last 12 months; and a big shout-out to my Brazilian partners, XP, Porto and Banco Master, who have supported me every step of the way. I feel there so much that we can achieve as a team in the future.”

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack added that Drugovich’s work in the role had already been impressive and that his work ethic and speed made his re-signing an obvious decision for the team.

“Everyone at Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team 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 Grand Prix. We look forward to another productive season together next year.”