F2 champion Drugovich becomes Aston Martin reserve as part of Driver Development Programme

Felipe Drugovich will become one of Aston Martin's reserve drivers after the team announced the newly-crowned 2022 Formula 2 Champion as the first member of their Driver Development Programme.

Drugovich is expected to substitute in for Lance Stroll in FP1 at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 22-year-old Brazilian driver will also take part in the Young Driver Test at Yas Marina the week after.

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For 2023, Drugovich will test Aston Martin's 2021 AMR21 car and attend Grands Prix as part of their AMF1 Driver Development Programme – the team's new junior academy.

"Becoming a member of the AMF1 Driver Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity for me – and only adds to what has been an extremely enjoyable and successful 2022 season," said Drugovich.

"Winning in Formula 2 has long been regarded as the best possible launchpad into a career in Formula 1, and I see my role at AMF1 as giving me all the tools to take that crucial next step. For me, 2023 will be a learning curve: I will be working with the F1 team, but my primary goal is to learn and develop as a driver. I hope that will give me an opportunity to race in Formula 1 in the future."

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack added: "Felipe has shown incredible talent, determination, and consistency to win this year's FIA Formula 2 Championship – I particularly remember his fantastic Sprint and Feature victories at Barcelona in May, which were hugely impressive. We are delighted that he is joining us as a member of our Driver Development Programme, and we look forward to welcoming him as part of our team in Abu Dhabi this November."

Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin's Executive Chairman, added: "We have watched and admired Felipe's path to success in Formula 2 this year, and we aim to provide him with all the skills and experience necessary to be able to take the next step in his career. In the fullness of time, it would be the ultimate validation if he were to become a Formula 1 driver, joining the great pantheon of Brazilian racing drivers such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna."