The eternal frustration of being a Formula 1 reserve

Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 Champion, has been Aston Martin’s trusted reserve and development driver since joining the team. He has been close to a race start on several occasions, but each time the opportunity slipped away by the finest of margins.

At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso’s back pain opened the door for Drugovich to step into the AMR25 for Free Practice 1. In a recent interview with Formula.hu, reflecting on the late call-up, he explained: “I got confirmation on Friday morning that I had to get in the car, so I arrived at the track a little early and made the necessary preparations.

"I tried to prepare as much as I could, although there was very little time. I’ve been in a similar situation before, so it wasn’t completely new to me," added Drugovich, who has had seven FP1 sessions with Aston Martin since 2022, but has yet to start a Grand Prix.

Drugovich has seen a Formula 1 debut slip through his fingers several times. He said: “I’ve been close to it too many times, a lot more than many people would think. It’s not a very good situation, but it is what it is, I can’t complain. I have to see it as another chance and I was there in free practice. That’s a good thing in itself.”

Keeping sharp without regular competition is one of the greatest challenges of a reserve role. Drugovich explained: “It’s obviously difficult. I’ve had experience in free practice, and after a few sessions, people have said I drive well. However, if you’re not racing consistently, it’s difficult to jump into a race or a practice session."

Regarding his Hungary call-up, the 25-year-old said: "I feel like I did a good job and tried to do my best to be ready if I have to get in the car. I also compete in other categories, and that’s the most important thing: to stay in shape.

"What I test in the simulator or in the car is usually taken very seriously by the team, and that feels really good. I don’t know exactly how much of an impact I’ve had on the development so far, but I always try to do my best for the team.”

Drugovich says the best part of his role is the chance to work closely with Alonso, Aston Martin’s two-time World Champion: “It’s great to work with him, mainly because I get to see how he approaches things and learn from him. I also get tips from him – not a lot, but quite useful ones.

"I feel like he trusts my feedback too. After free practice, we talked a lot about the car and what I felt was basically the same as what he felt about the AMR25. It was definitely a good confirmation for me.”

For now, Drugovich must remain patient, continuing to sharpen his skills in the simulator and in other racing categories, hoping that one of those “almost-possibles” will finally become his long-awaited Formula 1 debut.

Looking back on his junior career in racing, Drugovich quickly rose through the ranks. His debut in karting was promising, winning several titles in Brazil and revealing a clear natural talent for driving.

Felipe really made his mark in single-seater racing from 2016 onwards. After a strong start in German and Italian Formula 4, he won the Euroformula Open Championship and the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 in 2018. These successes opened the doors to Formula 3 in 2019, then Formula 2 in 2020.

In his first season in F2 with MP Motorsport, he won three races but only finished ninth in the championship. The following year, he joined UNI Virtuosi but was overshadowed by his teammate Guanyu Zhou and failed to win a race.

2022 marked a turning point in his career. Returning to MP Motorsport, he dominated the season from start to finish. The victories continued, and his consistency earned him the Formula 2 Championship title. This performance attracted the attention of Formula 1 teams.

With his Formula 2 title secured, he signed with Aston Martin as a reserve and development driver for the 2023 season. He took his first laps in Formula 1 during free practice and became actively involved in the development of the AMR23 and AMR24.