Aston Martin test driver Felipe Drugovich is heading to Formula E, with a deal reportedly in place to join Andretti for the 2025-26 season.
The Brazilian driver will replace and then partner with former champion Jake Dennis, according to The Race.
Drugovich has been knocking on Formula 1’s door since winning the Formula 2 championship in 2022. Despite his success, he’s been stuck in a reserve driver role at Aston Martin.
He’s completed seven F1 practice sessions but hasn’t managed to land that coveted full-time seat.
Most recently, fans saw him in action during FP1 at the Hungaroring when he stepped in because of Fernando Alonso‘s back injury. Alonso ultimately recovered in time for the race weekend.
This wasn’t his first time on standby. Earlier this season, Lance Stroll missed a race with a wrist injury but then returned for the following Canadian Grand Prix, leaving Drugovich on the sidelines again.
The 24-year-old isn’t completely new to Formula E. He already made his debut in the all-electric series when he replaced Nyck de Vries for the Berlin ePrix. He impressed right away, finishing seventh in his second race and picking up six points for Mahindra Racing.
It’s not clear yet if Drugovich will keep his Aston Martin reserve role alongside his Formula E commitments. His colleague Stoffel Vandoorne has previously juggled both responsibilities.
The Brazilian has been keeping busy beyond F1 duties this year, competing in prestigious endurance races including the 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
## Alonso’s endorsement
Fernando Alonso has nothing but praise for his Aston Martin colleague.
“It would be great to see him in Formula 1. He has an incredible talent. Formula 2 was a demonstration,” the two-time world champion told GPblog at the Hungaroring.
“We can see it here every day when we work with him. The simulator work, some of the free practices that he has, and he has been always delivering the performance that the team was asking, even with very limited kilometres.”
Drugovich was reportedly being considered by Cadillac for their new F1 team, but the Americans ultimately opted for experience, signing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez instead.
With that door closed and most other teams finalizing their lineups, Drugovich’s move to Formula E might be his best path forward for now.
