Felipe Drugovich Reflects on His F1 Aspirations and Challenges

Felipe Drugovich, a talented Brazilian racing driver, recently shared his thoughts regarding the competition for a position at Cadillac for the 2026 Formula 1 season. He found himself in a contest with renowned drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, ultimately missing out on the opportunity to join the prestigious team. In a candid interview, Drugovich revealed how close he felt to achieving his goal, while also confronting the realities of a prolonged absence from competitive racing.

The Competitive Landscape

Drugovich’s journey to secure a spot in Formula 1 is a testament to the fierce competition within motorsport. He expressed that the battle for a seat was intense, with seasoned drivers like Perez and Bottas being formidable contenders. “It’s challenging to quantify how close I was,” he remarked. “From the discussions I had and my instincts, I believed I was in a better position than it seemed. I think I was the third in line. It was a matter of waiting to see if things would work out with the other two drivers. If they didn’t, I could have been the one chosen.”

The Impact of Time Away from Racing

One of the significant hurdles Drugovich faced was the lengthy period during which he had not raced competitively. His last complete season was in the European Le Mans Series in 2024, where he participated in merely six races. Furthermore, his last experience in single-seater vehicles dates back to 2022, when he captured the Formula 2 championship title. This extended hiatus from the track proved to be a disadvantage in his quest for a Formula 1 seat.

Reflecting on this, Drugovich stated, “I wish I could have been more active; that’s all I ever wanted in my life. However, I can’t allow myself to feel too disappointed because getting a seat after being away for three years would have been a bonus. Anything that came my way would have felt like a gain. Of course, I wanted it badly, but I was also realistic about the challenges, especially considering how long I had been out of the racing scene.”

Speculations About Alpine

In addition to his aspirations with Cadillac, Drugovich’s name has been linked with Alpine amid uncertainties surrounding Franco Colapinto’s future with the team. Despite the speculations, Drugovich clarified that there were no ongoing discussions with the French squad. “No, that’s not true. The reality is that the only interaction I had was me knocking on their door. There was no actual conversation, at least not from their side. I can’t say if they are doing the same with everyone. I made my attempt, but that’s where it ended,” he explained.

Current Position in Formula 1

Despite the setbacks in securing a race seat, Drugovich remains involved in Formula 1 as a reserve driver for Aston Martin. His role as a reserve driver allows him to stay connected to the sport and be prepared for any opportunities that may arise. Drugovich’s continued presence in the F1 environment is crucial for maintaining his skills and keeping his options open for the future.

The Road Ahead

As Drugovich looks to the future, he remains optimistic about his potential to return to the racetrack in a more prominent capacity. The world of Formula 1 is ever-changing, and with the right circumstances, he could find himself back in a competitive seat sooner rather than later. The determination and resilience he has shown throughout his career will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates the complexities of motorsport.

Conclusion

Felipe Drugovich’s journey in the world of Formula 1 exemplifies the challenges and unpredictability that many drivers face as they pursue their dreams. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of opportunities within the competitive landscape of motorsport. As he continues to hone his skills and remains engaged with the sport, fans and followers will be eager to see what the future holds for this talented Brazilian driver.