Aston Martin Confirms Felipe Drugovich's Departure, Announces Jak Crawford as New Reserve Driver
Aston Martin has announced the departure of reserve driver Felipe Drugovich following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as he transitions to a full-time Formula E seat with Andretti. Jak Crawford has been confirmed as his replacement, stepping into the role of third and reserve driver. This move highlights Drugovich's ambition for active racing and Aston Martin's ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent within its F1 program.
Aston Martin has officially confirmed the departure of reserve driver Felipe Drugovich following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Jak Crawford stepping in as the team's new third and reserve driver. Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, was the inaugural signing for Aston Martin's development program.
Why it matters:
Felipe Drugovich's move to a full-time Formula E seat with Andretti marks a significant shift in his career trajectory, indicating a desire for active competition over a reserve role in F1. For Aston Martin, the appointment of Jak Crawford signals a continued investment in young talent and a strategic reshuffle of their driver development pipeline as they look to the future.
The Details:
- Drugovich's Journey: Felipe Drugovich joined Aston Martin in 2022 as their first development program signing, concurrently with his F2 championship win. He served as a reserve driver, participating in several FP1 sessions and test appearances.
- Formula E Move: Drugovich's switch to Andretti in Formula E was announced in September, with the season commencing in São Paulo. This move clarified his eventual departure from Aston Martin, as he prioritized a full-time racing commitment.
- Prioritizing Focus: In late September, Drugovich expressed uncertainty about his Aston Martin future to RacingNews365, stating that any decision would depend on whether it 'made sense' for him and didn't detract from his Formula E focus.
- Official Confirmation: Aston Martin officially announced his farewell shortly after the Las Vegas GP via a social media statement, thanking him for three years with the team and wishing him well.
- Crawford's Arrival: The team had already announced Jak Crawford as the new third and reserve driver, indicating a clear succession plan for their junior talent development.
What's next:
Felipe Drugovich will now fully concentrate on his Formula E campaign with Andretti, aiming to make his mark in electric single-seater racing. Meanwhile, Jak Crawford will integrate into Aston Martin's F1 operations, gaining valuable experience in a pivotal reserve role as the team continues to develop its future driver talent.