Felipe Drugovich becomes first-ever Aston Martin Driver Development Programme member

22-year-old Brazilian-Italian racer Felipe Drugovich, who was crowned as the Formula 2 Champion last week during the Monza race, has been announced as the first-ever member of the Aston Martin Driver Development Programme.

By signing a contract with the Aston Martin team, Drugovich now joins their programme which is aimed at building a platform for young drivers coming through the various feeder series on their way to Formula One. Drugovich will also become an Aston Martin reserve driver, and the team have announced that they are hoping to have him participate during the Free Practice 1 session at the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, replacing Lance Stroll. The team have also stated that Drugovich will take part in the young driver test in November later this year at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. 

Felipe Drugovich, current Formula 2 Champion, commented:

“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. 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.“

Mike Krack, Team Principal, Aston Martin Formula One Team, stated:

“Felipe has shown incredible talent, determination, and consistency to win this year’s FIA Formula 2 Championship – I particularly remember his fantastic Sprint and Feature victories at Barcelona in May, which were hugely impressive.

“We are delighted that he is joining us as a member of our Driver Development Programme, and we look forward to welcoming him as part of our team in Abu Dhabi this November.“

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman, Aston Martin, added:

“I am hugely proud to have inaugurated the AMF1 Driver Development Programme: I am a big believer in rewarding young talent, and this is a fantastic way to help develop the next generation of racing drivers.

“We have watched and admired Felipe’s path to success in Formula 2 this year, and we aim to provide him with all the skills and experience necessary to be able to take the next step in his career. In the fullness of time, it would be the ultimate validation if he were to become a Formula One driver, joining the great pantheon of Brazilian racing drivers such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna.“

Aston Martin have also stated that the Brazilian will be a part of their extensive test programme in 2023 and drive the 2021 Aston Martin car along with attending a select number of Grands Prix next season.