Drugovich Continues with Aston Martin in 2024 F1 Season
Aston Martin's Formula 1 team has proudly announced the continuation of Brazilian driver Felipe Drugovich in his role as the test and reserve driver for the upcoming 2024 season.
This decision marks another chapter in Drugovich's flourishing career with the renowned Silverstone-based team.
Drugovich's journey with Aston Martin in 2023 was marked by significant milestones and commendable performances. Earlier this year, he took the wheel of the AMR23 during the winter test in Bahrain. In a noteworthy move, he is set to replace Fernando Alonso in the first practice session (FP1) in Abu Dhabi. His impressive skills were previously showcased during a Friday session at Monza, where he drove in place of Lance Stroll. However, Drugovich will notably not be participating in the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, his home race.
Throughout the year, Drugovich's role extended beyond just replacing regular drivers. He engaged in an extensive private testing program, piloting an AMR21. His total driving distance in Aston Martin's vehicles impressively reached about 6,000 kilometers, equating to the cumulative distance of 20 Grand Prix races, considering each race is approximately 300km.
Drugovich's commitment to refining his skills and contributing to the team's progress is evident in the 20 days he has spent in the simulator this year. His dedication will seamlessly continue into the next season. Expressing his pride, the 2022 Formula 2 champion said, “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."
He further emphasized his contribution to the development of the AMR23 and his enthusiasm for the upcoming FP1 session in Abu Dhabi. Looking forward, Drugovich is focused on the winter preparations for 2024.
Mike Krack, the team principal, commended Drugovich for his exceptional performance and contribution to the team. Highlighting Drugovich's familiarity within the team, his strong work ethic, and his remarkable speed and experience, Krack lauded the Brazilian's seamless substitution for an injured Lance Stroll during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Krack further noted, “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."
With an opportunity to drive the AMR23 in the Abu Dhabi GP's FP1, the team is poised to conclude the season on a high note, with high hopes and anticipation for a fruitful collaboration in the year ahead. Drugovich's continued presence in the team is not just a testament to his growing prowess but also to Aston Martin's commitment to nurturing and leveraging emerging talents in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.
