Felipe Drugovich is preparing to succeed Oscar Piastri as Formula 2 champion this year. But a promotion to Formula 1 in the coming year is unlikely, at least as a regular driver.
Drugovich’s biggest obstacle: He is not promoted by any manufacturer or team in the premier class. As a result, his chances of getting a regular cockpit are nil. The Brazilian is therefore hoping to gain a foothold in Formula 1 in a different role.
“I think it’s very difficult to get into F1 these days and it looks like the chances of a regular place next year are very limited. I think there’s still an opportunity to get one somewhere reserve seat, so we have to try to look at that,” Drugovich speculates on a reserve role.
But the Brazilian also thinks outside the box when he says: “Apart from that, there are other categories where we can race somewhere. But right now I’m focused on this championship, trying to win it and I hope this one result one day in Formula 1.”
There are also other series that can be sporty and financially lucrative. Christian Lundgaard and Callum Ilott are now driving in the IndyCar series, and there are still unoccupied places with various manufacturers in the hypercar and LMDh classes.
But Drugovich’s focus is currently on Formula 1: “I think that we don’t deal so much with IndyCar, but concentrate on Formula 1 – that’s my dream, my goal and we’re trying to gain a foothold there first of all. Of course IndyCar is a great category, but right now I’m totally focused on Formula 1.”
Drugovich “completely free”
A class below he left a number of academy drivers behind. Red Bull supports Liam Lawson, Jehan Daruvala, Dennis Hauger and Ayumu Iwasa in Formula 2, Alpine has placed Jack Doohan and Olli Caldwell in the junior series and Theo Pourchaire and Logan Sargeant are supported by Sauber and Williams respectively.
There is also Mercedes Junior Frederik Vesti. However, Drugovich believes that the freedom of not being tied to any team or manufacturer can be an advantage for him. “It helps me that most of the places that might be free, whether reserve or regular, are free from juniors,” said the Brazilian.
“Obviously there are also the downsides that we’re not quite pushed into that position of getting a place because I’m not tied. But on the other hand I’m totally free so I think it’s a good thing,” continues Drugovich.
Drugovich clearly leads Formula 2
Only very few Formula 1 teams and manufacturers currently do not have an active junior program. McLaren would therefore be an option for Drugovich, but there the contractual situation with various drivers, including Oscar Piastri, must first be clarified. Another alternative would be Aston Martin.
Felipe Drugovich is clearly leading the 2022 Formula 2 season with three race weekends to go. He is 43 points ahead of his closest pursuer, Sauber Junior Pourchaire. There are still two races each in Zandvoort, Monza and Abu Dhabi.