Felipe Drugovich Prioritizes Formula E Amidst F1 Reserve Role Uncertainties

Felipe Drugovich, currently Aston Martin's F1 reserve driver, is set to make his full-time Formula E debut with Andretti next year, partnering Jake Dennis. Despite his ongoing F1 involvement, Drugovich emphasizes that his primary focus will be on his Formula E campaign, carefully weighing any future F1 opportunities to ensure they do not negatively impact his new role.

Why it matters:

Drugovich, an F2 champion, has spent three seasons on the sidelines of single-seater racing, unable to secure a full-time F1 seat. His move to Formula E represents a significant career shift, highlighting the intense competition for F1 berths and the growing appeal of alternative top-tier motorsport series for talented drivers.

The Details:

• Formula E Debut: Drugovich has signed with Andretti for the upcoming Formula E season, marking his first full professional season in single-seater racing after winning the F2 championship in 2022.
• F1 Reserve Role: He has served as Aston Martin's F1 reserve driver since 2022 and has had previous Formula E experience, including rookie tests and two race starts as a substitute for Nyck de Vries at Mahindra.
• Andretti Connection: Andretti, his new Formula E team, is owned by TWG Motorsports, which also partners with the Cadillac F1 project set to debut in 2026.
• Schedule Uncertainty: Drugovich remains unsure about the extent of his F1 commitments next season, stating that such decisions are usually made later in the year. He mentioned a need to assess 'what's going to happen with other drivers' and if any opportunities 'make sense' for him.
• Focus on Formula E: His main concern is whether additional programs, particularly in F1, would 'take focus away from Formula E'. He insists that his 'focus is fully in Formula E at the moment' and he wants to 'do this well'.
• Cadillac Opportunities: While the Cadillac F1 team has signed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and Colton Herta is eying F1 through F2, Drugovich's potential involvement with Cadillac remains speculative. He stated he would consider proposals based on 'clauses and how it's going to pan out,' prioritizing no 'bad influence' on his Formula E championship.

What's next:

Drugovich's decision on his F1 reserve role and any potential involvement with Cadillac will likely come towards the end of the year. His performance in Formula E will be crucial as he embarks on this new chapter, aiming to prove his capabilities in a competitive championship while balancing the allure of Formula 1.