Strong words from Aston Martin’s reserve driver. However, the chances of seeing Drugovich in Formula 1 by 2026 are growing increasingly slim
Felipe Drugovich believes he’s ready for Formula 1. Or at least, that’s his opinion. The 25-year-old Brazilian, born in 2000, has spent years in the shadow of Fernando Alonso and—more significantly—Lance Stroll within the Aston Martin garage. However, Stroll’s recent injury, sustained after qualifying for last week’s Spanish Grand Prix, might open the door for Drugovich to compete in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.
So far, Felipe’s F1 career has been limited to sporadic free practice sessions and end-of-season tests. Yet, according to widespread but unofficial reports, he allegedly posted lap times faster than Stroll’s during the 2024 post-season tests in Abu Dhabi—driving the same Aston Martin car used throughout the season.
It remains an unverified claim, but if fate smiles upon him and he gets the opportunity to race in Montréal next week, we might finally get to see whether the hype is justified.
Drugovich in F1 in 2026? His statement and his anger
Speaking from Le Mans, where he’s competing in the 24 Hours, Drugovich had this to say: “When I started racing with prototypes, the Aston Martin LMH project wasn’t ready yet, so choosing Cadillac was an easy decision for me. I’m very happy to see the Valkyrie here now, and I was thrilled to race at Le Mans in 2024 with the V-Series. They even called me back for the 24 Hours of Daytona, so I’m really satisfied with where I’m at “.
Commenting on his Aston Martin contract and the potential opportunity to race:
“I’m fully focused on this current commitment. I like to think I’ll be racing in the most beautiful event of the year. Of course, every opportunity in life comes when you least expect it, and I don’t know what will happen, so I’m keeping my attention fixed on this race “.
Finally, expressing his frustration, he added:
“If I start thinking about what might happen, I could go crazy and lose focus on everything else. So I prefer to live as if nothing’s changed. And in the past two weeks, nothing has, really—although I am, of course, speaking with people in Formula 1. That’s the current situation, and I remain their standby driver“.
Photo: Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team
