Aston Martin has announced that veteran driver Fernando Alonso will be stepping aside for the first practice session (FP1) of the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix. In his place, the team’s test and reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, will take the wheel at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This decision aligns with the Formula 1 regulation that requires each team to give a rookie driver two FP1 opportunities throughout the season. Drugovich has been part of Aston Martin’s driver development program since 2022 and has gained considerable experience from numerous tests during that time.
The Brazilian driver expressed excitement ahead of his FP1 debut in Mexico. Having spent significant time working in the team’s simulator, Drugovich looks forward to experiencing how the virtual training compares to real-life conditions on the track. Though Alonso will take over driving duties for the later sessions, this practice session marks a crucial opportunity for Drugovich to demonstrate his skills in a competitive setting.
Drugovich’s path to this point has been impressive, with the highlight of his career so far being a Formula 2 world title win in 2022. While he hasn’t yet matched the accolades of Alonso, a two-time F1 world champion, this outing is a critical chance for Drugovich to strengthen his bid for a full-time Formula 1 seat. The 24-year-old acknowledges the unique challenges of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which features long straights and tricky technical corners. He has been preparing diligently in the simulator to make the most of this opportunity.
Team Principal Mike Krack is confident in Drugovich’s ability to rise to the occasion, highlighting that his hard work behind the scenes has earned him this shot. Although Alonso remains a crucial part of Aston Martin’s plans, having recently extended his contract until 2026, giving young talents like Drugovich a chance to shine is also part of the team’s future strategy.
With the eyes of the motorsport world on Mexico, Drugovich’s performance could significantly impact his F1 future. This practice session not only gives him valuable on-track experience but also an opportunity to make a lasting impression in front of Aston Martin and the wider F1 community.