Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich has signed with Aston Martin to be a reserve driver in Formula 1 for next season.
The Brazilian racer won the feeder series championship at Monza on Sunday. After confirming his status as champion, there was much speculation about his future and whether or not he might be able to land a seat on the grid for 2023.
Aston Martin statement is confirmation that he will not, and instead will become the first member of the team's new driver development programme. He will act as a reserve driver for next season, and drive an F1 car later this year in first practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
"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," said Drugovich, who signed his deal with his new employer on the same day he was crowned F2 champion.
"Winning in Formula 2 has long been regarded as the best possible launchpad into a career in Formula 1, 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."
On top of his reserve duties, Drugovich will travel to several race weekend next year to further familiarise himself with the way the F1 paddock works. He will also take part in a young drivers' test in November, and get some more time behind the wheel of Aston Martin's 2021 car.
Aston Martin's ambitious billionaire executive chairman Lawrence Stroll said: "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 F2 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 1 driver, joining the great pantheon of Brazilian racing drivers such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna."
And team principal Mike Krack added: "Felipe has shown incredible talent, determination, and consistency to win this year's FIA F2 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."
