Aston Martin sign F2® champion Drugovich to young driver programme
Tuesday, 13 September 2022
The Brazilian driver was crowned F2® champion in Monza.
Aston Martin have signed F2® champion Felipe Drugovich as the first addition to their young driver programme.
The 22-year-old Brazilian won five races to clinch the F2® championship in 2022, where he was crowned winner in Monza, and signed his contract with the team on the same day.
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Drugovich will take a spot as one of the team's reserve drivers in 2023, with Aston Martin planning for him to be involved in FP1 in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season as well as taking part in November's young driver test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
"Becoming a member of the AMF1 Driver Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity for me – and only adds to what has been an extremely enjoyable and successful 2022 season," Drugovich said.
"Winning in Formula 2 has long been regarded as the best possible launchpad into a career in Formula One, and I see my role at AMF1 as giving me all the tools to take that crucial next step.
"For me, 2023 will be a learning curve: I will be working with the F1 team, but my primary goal is to learn and develop as a driver. I hope that will give me an opportunity to race in Formula One in the future."
Drugovich's position with Aston Martin for 2023 effectively rules him out of the running for any vacancies on the grid, with several teams still yet to finalise their two drivers for next season.
Aston Martin may view Drugovich as the ideal successor to Fernando Alonso, who joins the team from Alpine for 2023 on a multi-year deal.
🏆 CAMPEÃO 🏆
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 10, 2022
FELIPE DRUGOVICH - @FORMULA2 CHAMPION!
An amazing season for the Brazilian racer sees him win the title with a round spare.#F2 pic.twitter.com/lPGHBPBkC4
