He will not be a starter in F1 next year, but Felipe Drugovich remains appreciated for his work: the Aston Martin F1 reserve driver and former F2 champion, in charge of developing the team's new simulator, will be on track today in Mexico, in FP1, in Fernando Alonso's car.
The Brazilian even replaced Fernando Alonso for the first time at a press conference yesterday in Mexico. The double world champion was indeed ill.
“In fact, the only thing that wasn’t planned was this press conference” he smiled in front of the media.
“My best wishes to Fernando. But I'm really impatient. »
What is the plan for Felipe Drugovich in FP1? What will he be working on in particular on the Mexico track?
“The plan is above all to concentrate a little for the team. We're going to do development tests, collect data, and I hope to be able to have a little fun at the end, pushing a little more. But it's a new circuit for me, you have to be careful with the car. Hopefully it will be a good session. »
There is a lot of work to do in the team: the changes made in Austin have not really worked. What is fundamentally wrong with this Aston Martin F1?
“In terms of sensations, it’s hard to say. I have never driven this car, so this will be my first time with the 2024 version. Based on last weekend, the developments did not seem optimal right away. But as with any update, it requires a bit of optimization. Let's see how they behave on this circuit, very different from Austin. No matter how it feels, I just want to have fun and do my job for the team. »
The young driver replaces Fernando Alonso in FP1 – even though the Spaniard will reach the 400 Grand Prix mark this weekend. How valuable is being on the same team as the most experienced driver in F1 to Felipe Drugovich?
“It’s really cool. Understanding what he does, everything he does on the track every weekend as a reserve driver, it's impressive. He has different approaches from what I knew. And seeing the way he approaches things, his attention to detail, it's impressive. It's a real pleasure to work with him. »
Colapinto gives ideas to Drugo…
Felipe Drugovich must see with relish the enthusiasm and enthusiasm that Franco Colapinto, now a starter at Williams F1, arouses among Argentinian and Latino fans. Argentina shows that its passion for F1 is still intact.
And Brazil? If Felipe Drugovich allowed Brazil to be represented again among the 20 starters, does the Aston Martin F1 driver think there would be enthusiasm as well?
“Yes, absolutely. Even during my small appearances in FP1 and others, there was already a big effect in Brazil. Everyone is very excited about the idea of one day having a Brazilian driver on the grid. It would be great to represent the country one day. »
“What’s happening to Franco is great. It's been a long time since there was an Argentinian driver in F1, and we can see how much they missed it. I think it would be the same in Brazil, even bigger, because Brazil is a big country. Thanks to Senna, many people are eagerly waiting to see a Brazilian driver succeed in F1 again. »
