Reigning FIA Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich will continue as Aston Martin F1’s Test and Reserve driver next season.
The Brazilian has undertaken an extensive testing campaign, driving the 2021 Aston Martin at a multitude of tracks across Europe this year.
6000km has already been completed by the F2 champion, driving this year’s AMR23 and the previous two iterations from Silverstone.
Drugovich said: “I’m really proud to be continuing to work with Aston Martin for a second season. This year, I’ve learnt a huge amount – not just at the racetrack, but working with the engineers in the simulator and from the development programme that was designed for me.
“I’m proud of the contribution I’ve been able to make, and pleased that I’ve been able to help progress the development of AMR23.
“My focus now shifts towards preparing for the upcoming FP1 session at Abu Dhabi – I’m already looking forward to driving the AMR23 again – and to the work I’ll be doing with the engineers over the winter to prepare for 2024.
“I want to thank the whole team for their incredible support over the last 12 months; and a big shout-out to my Brazilian partners, XP, Porto and Banco Master, who have supported me every step of the way. I feel there so much that we can achieve as a team in the future.”
Team Principal Mike Krack is equally delighted to retain Drugovich for another year: “Everyone at Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team is incredibly pleased that Felipe will be staying with us in 2024.
“He’s a familiar face within the team; he understands the particular demands of the role, has a tremendous work ethic, and has shown his speed and experience after stepping in superbly for an injured Lance Stroll during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“Every time he gets behind the wheel, we clearly see the strength of his contribution: his pace, feedback and commitment are all extremely valuable to our engineers.
“We are already looking forward to him rounding out his season in style with another opportunity to drive the AMR23 during FP1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. We look forward to another productive season together next year.”
