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Who Is Felipe Drugovich? – Aston Martin’s F1 Reserve Driver and F2 Champion

Published 03/11/2024, 7:10 AM EDT

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Felipe Drugovich has emerged as a formidable Brazilian racing sensation, having clinched the coveted title of the 2022 F2 Champion and earning the distinction as the inaugural member of the team’s esteemed driver development program. Following his stellar performances in F4, Drugovich made a decisive move to the Euroformula Open in 2018, where he proved virtually unstoppable. He dominated the competition with victories in nearly every race except two and secured second place in the remaining events.

Fast-forward to 2024 and the Brazilian was thrust into the limelight again, this time as a reserve driver for the illustrious Aston Martin Formula 1 team. His unexpected ascent to this role came following Lance Stroll’s unfortunate wrist injury sustained in a biking accident, which sidelined him from pre-season testing. Now, the 2022 F2 Champion stands poised to potentially make his F1 debut alongside the legendary Fernando Alonso in the thrilling AMR23, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Felipe Drugovich’s Family 

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Felipe Drugovich Roncato, born in 2000 in Maringa, Brazil, is a rising star in motorsport. Inspired by his accomplished racing uncles, Sergio and Oswaldo Jr., he stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 157 pounds, showcasing a promising blend of skill and determination in his pursuit of success. He is of Austrian descent and holds dual citizenship in Brazil and Italy.

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What are Felipe Drugovich’s achievements in his racing career?

Felipe Drugovich’s racing journey has been characterized by steady progression and notable achievements across various championships. In 2016, he competed in the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship, finishing 4th, and ADAC Formula 4, securing 13th place. In 2017, he continued to impress, clinching the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship title and finishing 3rd in ADAC Formula 4.

In 2018, his success continued with a triumph at the Euroformula Open Championship. He witnessed further progression in 2019, which led him to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he finished 16th overall and 24th in the Suncity Group Macau Grand Prix. In 2020 and 2021, he truly made his mark, achieving 9th and 8th place, respectively, in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, culminating in his remarkable victory in the championship in 2022.

The beginning of Felipe Drugovich’s racing career

Felipe Drugovich’s racing journey has been a steady progression and notable achievements across various championships. It was in 2016 that he began to make his mark, competing in both the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship, where he secured an impressive 4th place finish, and the ADAC Formula 4 series, where he showed his potential by clinching 13th place in 2017, his talent shone brightly as he clinched the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship title and further solidified his standing in the racing world by finishing 3rd in the competitive ADAC Formula 4 series.

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In 2018, he triumphed in the Euroformula Open Championship, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest levels of motorsport. In 2019, the Brazilian journey took him to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he continued to showcase his skills, finishing 16th overall. He also participated in the prestigious Suncity Group Macau Grand Prix, securing 24th place in a fiercely competitive field.

However, in the subsequent years of 2020 and 2021, he truly left his mark on the racing world. Competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, he consistently delivered impressive performances, achieving 9th and 8th place finishes, respectively, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the track. But it was in 2022 his journey reached its pinnacle. Drugovich’s racing journey inspires aspiring drivers everywhere, demonstrating that with talent, hard work, and dedication, anything is possible.

How did Felipe Drugovich rise through the ranks?

In 2019, Felipe Drugovich transitioned to Formula 2, joining MP Motorsport. His 2020 debut season saw immediate success with a win at Red Bull Ring, followed by victories in Barcelona and Bahrain and a pole position at Silverstone. Moving to Virtuosi in 2021, Drugovich faced challenges but showcased brilliance in Monaco and Yas Marina.

Returning to MP Motorsport in 2022, he lived up to expectations with wins in Saudi Arabia, Monaco, and a rare double victory in Spain. Drugovich secured the title with a win at Zandvoort as his championship rivals faltered. This triumph led to his appointment as the first-ever Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Reserve Driver and an inaugural member of their young driver development program, cementing his status as a rising star in motorsport.

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In 2023, Felipe Drugovich stepped up to a crucial role with the team, filling in for Lance Stroll, who suffered an injury just before the pre-season testing. Drugovich took the helm during two sessions, covering numerous kilometers as part of the team’s testing program. In an interview featured on the team’s website, he offered insights into the exciting potential of the new Aston Martin 2023 car. Drugovich Stated, “The AMR23 is performing really well. The car feels good. It’s really nice to drive – more enjoyable than last year, with less porpoising and bouncing”.

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Read More: Amid Demands to Sack Lance Stroll, Lawrence Stroll & Co. Deliver Subtle Message After Vegas Onslaught

In 2024, Felipe Drugovich will serve as a reserve driver for Aston Martin F1 without racing commitments. He faces limited F1 progression opportunities amid lineup changes, yet remains content with team support despite uncertainties about his racing future.

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Written by:

Ashwini Bochkeri

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Ashwini Bochkeri is a Formula 1 writer at EssentiallySports. After acquiring her MBA, she steered into the realm of journalism. With 2 years of content writing experience at Net Profit Reality and having crafted 500-plus articles, social media posts & creatives she transitioned into her current role as an F1 writer.
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Edited by:

Akash Pandhare