Aston Martin has published a statement addressing Drugovich’s confirmed departure in the aftermath …read more.�
Aston Martin has officially confirmed the departure of reserve and development driver Felipe Drugovich, issuing a detailed statement shortly after the conclusion of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the Brazilian’s future with the team and marks a significant shift in Aston Martin’s long-term driver development strategy.
Drugovich, who joined the team in 2022 after winning the Formula 2 Championship, has played a key role in Aston Martin’s simulator operations, testing programmes and occasional FP1 outings. Despite not securing a race seat during his tenure, he earned praise for his technical feedback, consistency, and contribution to the team’s improved performance over the past two seasons.
In its statement, Aston Martin acknowledged Drugovich’s “professionalism, dedication and vital support” during his time with the organisation. The team highlighted his work behind the scenes, particularly in refining car setups during challenging race weekends and helping integrate young talent into the performance pipeline. Team principal Mike Krack noted that Drugovich had been “a dependable and talented member of the Aston Martin family,” adding that the decision to part ways was reached “mutually and respectfully.”
The timing of the announcement immediately after the Las Vegas GP suggests the team was waiting for the final series of flyaway races to conclude before confirming a change in personnel. Sources within the paddock have indicated that Drugovich received interest from multiple teams in Formula 1 and other top-level motorsport categories, prompting him to explore opportunities that offer a clearer path to a full-time race seat.
Drugovich’s own message, shared shortly after the team’s statement, expressed gratitude to Aston Martin for providing him with a platform to develop his Formula 1 career. He thanked the engineers, mechanics and leadership for their trust while hinting that his next step will be “a new challenge where I can continue to grow as a racing driver.” Although he did not confirm his next destination, speculation has already linked him to teams undergoing restructuring within Formula E, WEC and even another Formula 1 outfit evaluating reserve roles for 2026.
Aston Martin’s decision to part ways with the Brazilian also creates room for the team to elevate new talent. The organisation has reportedly been considering a shake-up in its driver development structure to align with the 2026 regulation overhaul, Honda’s incoming partnership and long-term succession planning for its race seats. Young drivers from both European and Japanese programmes are believed to be under evaluation.
The team stressed that its commitment to nurturing emerging racing talent remains strong and that an announcement regarding Drugovich’s replacement will be made in due course. Until then, the departure marks both the end of a productive chapter and the beginning of a potentially transformative period for both sides.
As the motorsport world awaits Drugovich’s next move, his exit from Aston Martin adds another layer of intrigue to the evolving driver landscape, reminding fans that the Formula 1 paddock is just as dynamic off the track as it is on it.
