Felipe Drugovich has been officially confirmed to continue his role as the Aston Martin Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 F1 season.
The announcement, made on Monday January 13, 2025, marks the third consecutive year that the Brazilian driver has held the pivotal role with the team.
Felipe Drugovich first joined Aston Martin‘s driver development program in late 2022 after a stellar season in which he won the Formula 2 Championship, finishing ahead of his closest rival, Theo Pourchaire, by a significant margin of 101 points.
Since joining Aston Martin, Drugovich has been an integral part of the team’s efforts both on and off the track. His responsibilities have included participating in five Free Practice 1 sessions and three end-of-season tests, where he has consistently demonstrated his capabilities behind the wheel of a F1 car.
Notably, the 24-year old racer stepped in for Lance Stroll during pre-season testing in 2023 after Stroll suffered injuries in a cycling accident. This experience not only showcased his readiness to compete at the highest level but also solidified his standing within the team.
In his continued Aston Martin Test and Reserve Driver role for 2025 F1, Drugovich will alternate duties with former McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne.
This collaboration allows both drivers to share their insights and experiences, providing the Silverstone-based outfit with a robust backup plan should either of their primary drivers be unavailable during the season.
Felipe Drugovich expressed his enthusiasm about remaining with Aston Martin, stating: “I’m obviously really pleased to continue as Aston Martin Test and Reserve Driver for a third full season.
“There’s a lot of momentum at this team, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.
“The incredible new facilities at the AMR Technology Campus, including the brand-new simulator, demonstrate the ambition here, and I’m committed to being a part of Aston Martin Aramco’s long-term success.
“As always, I want to thank the team for their ongoing support.”
The team’s management is equally optimistic about Drugovich’s contributions moving forward. Mike Krack, who recently transitioned from Team Principal to Chief Trackside Officer highlighted his value to Aston Martin.
“Felipe Drugovich has been a vital member of our team since joining, and we are very pleased to continue working with him into 2025 F1 – he is a real asset,” said Krack.
“His contributions behind the scenes, particularly in the simulator and during test sessions, have been invaluable, and he does not put a foot wrong behind the wheel.
“Felipe’s dedication and feedback have played a crucial role in our progress, and we are confident he will continue to make a significant impact as part of our team.
“We wish him the best of luck at the upcoming 24 Hours of Daytona.”
Despite his impressive credentials and contributions to the team, Felipe Drugovich has yet to secure a full-time race seat in Formula 1. Reports suggest that he had discussions with Williams regarding a potential race seat but ultimately did not land the position as they opted for Logan Sargeant instead.
Nevertheless, his ongoing role as Aston Martin Test and Reserve Driver ensures that he remains closely involved with F1 operations throughout the season.
As part of his ongoing commitments outside of Formula 1, Drugovich is set to compete in endurance racing events, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona later this month. He will drive the #31 Cadillac for Action Express Racing alongside notable drivers such as Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber.
This opportunity allows him to gain further racing experience while maintaining his connection with high-level competition.
Aston Martin is currently in a phase of significant development and restructuring as they aim to boost their competitiveness. The team has invested heavily in new facilities at the AMR Technology Campus, including a state-of-the-art simulator designed to improve driver performance and car development.
These advancements reflect Aston Martin’s commitment to long-term success and their ambition to challenge for higher positions in the Constructors’ Championship.
The upcoming 2025 F1 season is expected to be pivotal for the team as it aims to build on its previous performances. They finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship last year but struggled keeping pace with top competitors like Red Bull Racing and Ferrari.
The anticipated arrival of Adrian Newey later this year is expected to influence their car development significantly, setting high expectations for future seasons.
