The MP Motorsport driver leads the overall Formula 2 standings by 43 points over Sauber academy member Théo Pourchaire . Having competed on three courses in the run-up to the Grand Circus, the Brazilian is looking around carefully for possible seats in 2023 , and believes that, with “very limited” opportunities to move up to Formula 1, being a reserve would be postulate as a more than good option.
While many top-flight motorsport teams have academies where they put their youngest drivers, as in the case of Red Bull with Liam Lawson, who is third in line at AlphaTauri, or Logan Sargeant with Williams, the winner of the Spanish Formula 3 in 2018 has it more complicated.
Although his lack of direct ties to any team on the Formula 1 grid, Felipe Drugovich believes that gives him more freedom to pursue opportunities, and after finishing second in the feature race at Spa-Francorchamps he said: I see my future … somehow, I’m going to be able to drive something next year.”
“I still don’t know what it is. It could happen like with Nyck [de Vries], as I think getting to Formula 1 today is very, very difficult, with some chances for a starting seat for next year being obviously very limited,” he said.
“I think there are still options for a reserve seat somewhere, so we have to look and find it,” said the Brazilian. “Also, there are other categories in which I can compete.”
“But for now I am focused on this championship, trying to win it, and hopefully that result will lead me to Formula 1 one day, no need to worry at the moment,” Drugovich continued. “I think that, speaking of Formula 1, we try to contact all the teams to see what they say.”
“That is looking more towards a reserve seat, but we must see it. In the meantime, we have to get results, and that is something that could help me,” he explained. “On the other hand, I think we are not paying attention to IndyCar, I think we are focused on Formula 1, that is my dream, my goal, and we are trying that as a first option.
“IndyCar is a great category, but right now I’m totally focused on Formula 1,” insisted the leader of the Grand Circus prelude, who has never been associated with any team.
While Pourchaire enjoys the protection of Sauber, Sargeant is with the Williams academy, and will take part in free practice for the United States Grand Prix in October. Jack Doohan is with Alpine, as is Olli Caldwell, and Frederik Vesti is the sole Mercedes representative.
Lawson, Ayumu Iwasa, Dennis Hauger and Jehan Daruvala are all members of the Red Bull school, prompting Drugovich to say, “I think it helps me, most places where there can be a free seat, whether it’s from starter or reserve, there are already the juniors”.
“I think being in this position is good for me,” he said. “There’s also the downside that we’re not pressured to get a seat because I’m not tied to anyone, but on the other hand I’m free so that’s good.”
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