Fernando Alonso will sit out FP1 in Mexico (Image: Getty)
are replacing with test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich for the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix at the end of the month.
The F1 team are obliged to field a rookie driver in two FP1 sessions over the course of the season and a second outing has been pencilled in before the end of the year. Drugovich joined Aston’s driver development programme in 2022 and has taken part in numerous tests since.
“I’m really excited to drive the AMR24 for the first time,” said the 24-year-old, who will make way for Alonso in FP2. “I’ve been looking forward to it for a while! I’ve spent a lot of the year working on the development of this car in the team’s simulator, so it will be valuable for me to feel the correlation between the sim and the real thing.
“Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is a track I haven’t driven before. It’s a challenging circuit with a mix of long straights and technical corners, so I’ll be spending time on the simulator ahead of the event so that I’m ready to go come FP1. I want to thank Aston Martin Aramco for trusting me with this opportunity, as well Banco Master for their continued support.”
Drugovich may not be able to match Alonso’s achievements yet but his impressive CV includes an F2 world title win two years ago. The Brazilian will be keen to make a good impression in Mexico as he bids to land a full-time F1 seat.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
Felipe Drugovich was snapped up by Aston Martin in 2022 (Image: Getty)
Alonso is 43 years old but he signed a contract extension in April which will keep him at Aston until the end of the 2026 season. , meanwhile, is presumed safe while his billionaire dad, Lawrence, remains part-owner and executive chairman of the team.
Aston team principal Mike Krack is confident that Drugovich will be able to handle the pressure during his first run-out in this year’s F1 car.
“We’re excited to give Felipe this first opportunity to drive the AMR24 during Free Practice One in Mexico,” he said. “Felipe is regularly in Silverstone on our simulator, contributing towards the development of this car with his detailed and thoughtful feedback, so it will be a rewarding experience for him to get out on track in Mexico.
“During the session, Felipe will be working his way through the team’s run plan, collecting vital data to support our decision-making throughout the rest of the weekend and aiding with the set-up of the car.”