Felipe Drugovich Shifts to Formula E After F1 Driver Drought

BRACKLEY, England (AP) — Felipe Drugovich, who is a former Formula 2 world champion, has officially signed with Andretti in Formula E, marking a new chapter in his racing career. After three years as a reserve driver for Aston Martin, Drugovich struggled to find his way to the Formula 1 grid, overshadowed by established drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

“I got really close many, many times [to Formula 1]… it’s something I need to keep for myself,” Drugovich stated. His departure from F1 comes after a period of waiting in the shadows, hoping for an opportunity that never materialized. Now, he is eager to embrace the competition in Formula E.

Drugovich expressed excitement about racing in the Formula E series, stating, “I’m happy I have this opportunity [at Formula E]. It’s a championship of massive calibre and people are racing at really high levels.”

He previously tested Formula E’s GEN3 car with Maserati MSG, where he achieved the fastest lap of the session. In a one-off debut at the Berlin E-Prix this year, he returned to racing, which reaffirmed his ambition for the series. “I had the opportunity also to race in Berlin, which made me really think, OK, I really want to do this,” he said.

Drugovich’s move to Andretti positions him alongside experienced drivers, aiding his development in a competitive environment. He acknowledges the need to adapt his approach with new challenges in Formula E. “I think I need to actually think a little bit more in a long-term way… just try to dive in, make the mistakes and actually learn as much as I can at the beginning of the championship,” he explained.

His prior experience in one-off races, including testing with Le Mans and IMSA, taught him the importance of rapid learning under pressure. Now, his focus shifts to managing energy and race strategies in Formula E, which he recognizes as critical for success.

Drugovich aims to reset his mindset, prioritizing enjoyment in racing again. His entry into Formula E also comes at a time when many F1 teams are reassessing their talents. With Drugovich’s exit from Aston Martin, the team is undergoing significant changes, presenting new opportunities for potential drivers like Yuki Tsunoda to shine.

Tsunoda’s potential move to Aston Martin has sparked interest as the team prepares for a new era under revised regulations. The partnership with Honda could significantly affect the team’s trajectory, with Tsunoda positioned to potentially contribute his experience to the evolving dynamics.

The future is uncertain for both drivers, but for Drugovich, this leap to Formula E is about reclaiming joy in the sport he loves, while for Tsunoda, seizing a strategic opportunity amidst shifting team structures. As racing fans speculate on the upcoming season, both drivers are set to navigate new avenues in their careers.