Felipe Drugovich Confirms Aston Martin Exit, Reflects on 'Many Cool Moments'
Felipe Drugovich has confirmed his departure from Aston Martin after three years as a reserve driver, stating it's "time to go" as he prepares for a full-time Formula E race seat with Andretti. The former F2 champion's move highlights the intense competition for F1 seats, with Jak Crawford set to take over his Aston Martin responsibilities. Drugovich reflected on a mixed tenure, emphasizing learning and moving forward to his new challenge in Formula E.
Felipe Drugovich, the departing Aston Martin reserve driver, has confirmed his exit from the team following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, stating it's "time to go." The Brazilian reflected on a period that included "many cool moments" alongside "some not so cool moments" as he transitions to a new chapter in his racing career.
Why it matters:
Drugovich's departure marks a significant moment for the former F2 champion as he seeks a full-time race seat after three years in a reserve role. His move to Formula E signifies a crucial step in re-establishing his racing career, while Aston Martin's decision to bring in Jak Crawford highlights the team's ongoing talent development strategy for its F1 program.
The Details:
- Departure Confirmed: Aston Martin announced that the Las Vegas Grand Prix was Drugovich's final event with the team. He initially joined in September 2022, shortly after securing the F2 title.
- Formula E Move: Drugovich is set to make his full-time return to racing in the upcoming Formula E season, having secured a deal with Andretti. The 12th season of the all-electric series is scheduled to commence in Brazil on December 6.
- F1 Aspirations Unfulfilled: Despite making seven FP1 appearances for Aston Martin over three years, Drugovich was unable to secure a race seat within the team.
- Reflective Statement: In a social media post, Drugovich acknowledged his departure: "Yup, time to go! Happy for these 3 years, learned a lot, many cool moments, some not so cool moments, but we take the positives with us and leave the bad behind. Another chapter closed and we move on! Thanks a lot boyzzz."
- Successor Announced: American F2 star Jak Crawford will take over Drugovich's responsibilities for the 2026 F1 season, having been appointed as Aston Martin's third driver. Crawford recently made his second practice appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after his FP1 debut in Mexico.
The Big Picture:
Drugovich's move underscores the fierce competition for F1 race seats, even for highly talented drivers like former F2 champions. His transition to Formula E demonstrates the growing appeal and competitiveness of alternative racing series for drivers looking to continue their professional careers. Meanwhile, Aston Martin continues to evolve its driver development program, integrating new talent like Jak Crawford into its long-term plans. The team is also reportedly undergoing further internal changes, with Andy Cowell expected to depart his team principal role, suggesting a broader restructuring ahead of the new season.
What's next:
Drugovich will now shift his full focus to his Formula E debut with Andretti, aiming to make a significant impact in the all-electric championship. For Aston Martin, the focus will be on integrating Jak Crawford into his new role and continuing the development of their F1 car, while also navigating potential leadership changes within the team. The upcoming season promises to be a period of significant transition for both Drugovich and Aston Martin.