Drugovich secures F1 superlicense after first test at Silverstone

F2 champion Felipe Drugovich has secured F1 superlicense after his first test at Silverstone, as he now readies for his maiden FP1 session.

After signing as Aston Martin’s test and reserve driver, F2 champion Drugovich has now completed his first-ever F1 test with the team at Silverstone to secure a superlicense. He completed the required 300km in the 2021 car last week.

Drugovich will make his FP1 debut to fulfill FIA’s requirement in Abu Dhabi GP driving Lance Stroll’s car and will then be part of the Young Drivers’ test at the same venue post the 2022 F1 season on Tuesday ahead of this weekend’s home grand prix in Brazil.

“It is amazing to have my first experience of a Formula One car,” said Drugovich. “I learned a huge amount and we did all the necessary work and mileage to be ready for Abu Dhabi. The weather was a bit tricky, but we did quite a few laps on the dry tyres before running on the wet tyres at the end of the day.

“The performance of the car was so impressive: the smoothness of the gearshifts, for example, and the lateral grip means you can carry so much speed into the corners. I really enjoyed the day; it was my first chance to start working properly with the team at the track. Big thanks to everybody who made it possible.”

Team boss Mike Krack added: “Felipe did an excellent job during his Silverstone test session. He quickly adapted to the car and the changing conditions, and was on the pace after just a handful of laps.

“It is always exciting to see a young driver complete their first laps in a Formula One car and Felipe really made the most of the opportunity. He is an intelligent driver, worked well with the engineering team, and impressed us with his professionalism, performance and feedback.”

Here’s Sebastian Vettel on retirement

Here’s news on Stoffel Vandoorne becoming Aston Martin reserve

Here’s news on FIA penalty for Aston Martin