Revolution in Bahrain: Aston Martin Shocks the F1 World by Swapping Alonso for Drugovich in FP1
In a jaw-dropping move that has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, Aston Martin has announced that Felipe Drugovich will replace Fernando Alonso during the first practice session in Bahrain. The Brazilian driver, who serves as a test driver and reserve for the team, will take the wheel of the AMR25 for the initial 60 minutes of on-track action this Friday.
Despite never having competed in a Grand Prix, Drugovich has already accumulated over 9,000 kilometers behind the wheel of an F1 car. This includes participation in the pre-season tests of 2023 at the Bahrain circuit and five previous free practice sessions with the Lawrence Stroll-led team.
Expressing his excitement for the opportunity, Drugovich stated, “I am thrilled to be back in an F1 car, especially at the beginning of the season. I have been preparing on the simulator to familiarize myself with the car, and Bahrain is a track I know well and enjoy driving on. I am eager to contribute and provide the team with the necessary data to perform at their best this weekend. Thanks to the entire team for their continued support.”
Team Principal Andy Cowell also shared his enthusiasm about the decision, saying, “We are delighted to offer Felipe this opportunity to drive the AMR25 in Bahrain. He has been an integral part of our team’s simulation program at the AMR Technology Campus, consistently providing valuable feedback that contributes to the car’s development. Felipe is a trusted individual, and we are confident he will do an excellent job in the FP1 session.”
The bold move by Aston Martin to replace a seasoned driver like Alonso with the relatively inexperienced Drugovich has raised eyebrows in the paddock. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming session in Bahrain, all eyes will be on the young Brazilian to see how he performs in this high-pressure situation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unprecedented development in the world of Formula 1.
