Aston Martin will soon be saying goodbye to reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, GPblog understands. The Brazilian is set to drive in Formula E at Andretti Global and these duties are not compatible with a role in the British F1 team.
Aston Martin will soon bid farewell to reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, GPblog understands. The Brazilian is set to move into Formula E with Andretti Global, a commitment incompatible with his current role at the British Formula 1 team.
Drugovich’s Formula E obligations mean he will step down from Aston Martin at the end of this season, with the team releasing him in time for the start of the electric championship. As previously reported by GPblog, the 2022 Formula 2 champion will join the American Andretti squad for the 2025/26 FE campaign.
Drugovich delighted with full-time drive
Drugovich confirmed the move on Wednesday. "I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be joining Andretti Formula E, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead."
The Brazilian added that the switch had been years in the making. "My team and I have been in touch with Andretti ever since I won the Formula 2 title, so it’s great that we’ve managed to stay connected all this time and finally have the opportunity to work together."
Having spent recent years as a reserve, Drugovich is relishing the chance to race full-time. "It’s been far too long for me without racing, so I’m incredibly motivated to get back on a racetrack. It means a lot to know I’ll be competing in every session and not just serving as a reserve, as I have done the past few years."
He continued: "I’m focused, motivated and excited for the future, and I know that Andretti has all the tools in place for me to achieve success. I’m confident this new chapter together will be a memorable one.
"I’m very thankful to the entire Andretti Global organisation for believing in my potential and for being so supportive. A special thanks also to Roger [Griffiths] for reaching out and making this happen."
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Drugovich will miss roaring engines
Speaking to GPblog during the E-Prix in Berlin, Drugovich admitted he had already considered Formula E a serious option, particularly with the introduction of the Gen4 cars in 2026/27. Despite that being two years away, he will make the switch from next season.
One thing he knows he will miss, however, is the sound of Formula 1 machinery. "Yes, I would miss the sound [of the F1 engine]. But I can play it on my phone before jumping in the car," he joked.
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