With its 2023 lineup finalized in Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, how does Felipe Drugovich factor into the team’s future?
Through the Creation of a Driver Development System. It was a big day for the team based in Silverstone, England. It was a day of expression to the world that they were looking firmly into the future in the form of a long-term strategy. Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant announced the first member of their newly created Driver Development Programme.
Meet the first member of the @AstonMartinF1 Driver Development Programme: 2022 @Formula2 Champion, @FelipeDrugovich. pic.twitter.com/RbLdyCXIB6
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) September 12, 2022
AMAC announced the creation of the program as one designed in coalition with the team’s engineers and management. Intended to provide a proper stairway for junior drivers to reach the world’s premier level of automobile racing. Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll said,
“I am a big believer in rewarding young talent, and this is a fantastic way to help develop the next generation of racing drivers.”
So, who is it, that has been seen as the chosen one? Which up-and-coming automobile racer caught the eye of Executive Chairman and Mike Krack, the Team’s Principal?
A Blockbuster Start – Felipe Drugovich
The honor goes to a 22-year-old competitor named Felipe Drugovich. Originally from Maringá, Paraná na República Federativa do Brasil, he has already showcased success within the world’s developmental ranks.
- He captured ten victories en route to the title in the fifth running of the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship.
- The following year, he captured fourteen victories en route to the Euroformula Open Championship, 159 points ahead of second place Dutchman Bent Viscaal.
- This season, 2022, he competed for the Dutch-based team MP Motorsport, where he has already posted five victories clinching the league’s driver’s championship before the final weekend.
“Becoming a member of the AMF1 Driver Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity for me after an extremely successful 2022 season.”
If the initiative holds to form, and this adaptation from one level to the next proves to be a success, Lawrence Stroll’s subsequent statement just might be correct.
“In the fullness of time, it would be the ultimate validation if (Drugovich) were to become a Formula One Driver, joining the great patheon of Brazilian racing drivers such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna.”
With the driver pairing locked in for the next two seasons, Drugovich is in line to take over as their F1 reserve driver for 2023. Potentially looking down the road to replace Fernando Alonso or pick up a seat elsewhere on the grid.
For now, Drugovich will step into Stroll’s car for FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and then take part in the Young Driver Test at Yas Marina the following week.
