Aston Martin has confirmed reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will replace Lance Stroll for FP1 in Abu Dhabi, marking his second FP1 appearance this season. Following this session, he will also participate in the post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit alongside Jak Crawford. Drugovich expressed excitement about driving the AMR24 and gaining insights from the unique environment of Yas Marina compared to Mexico City. Team principal Mike Krack praised Drugovich’s previous performance, emphasizing the importance of his contributions to the team’s data and decision-making processes.
By the Numbers
- Drugovich’s upcoming FP1 marks his second this season after the Mexico City Grand Prix.
- He has accumulated over 8,200 km of experience behind the wheel of a Formula One car.
Yes, But
While Drugovich’s presence is beneficial, questions remain about how his limited experience will affect the team’s overall performance in the upcoming races, particularly when compared to seasoned drivers like Stroll.
State of Play
- Drugovich is gaining valuable track time which contributes to his development and data collection for Aston Martin.
- Both he and Jak Crawford are set to participate in the upcoming end-of-season test at Yas Marina.
What’s Next
Following the Abu Dhabi FP1 session, analysts will closely watch Drugovich’s performance as it may influence his future positions within the team and broader discussions about Aston Martin’s driver lineup for the next season.
Bottom Line
Drugovich’s participation in FP1 represents a strategic move by Aston Martin to enhance their young driver pipeline, while also demonstrating their commitment to improving team performance through experience and development opportunities.
