Felipe Drugovich Joins Andretti for 2025/26 Formula E Season
Felipe Drugovich is poised to make a significant comeback in the world of single-seater racing by joining the Andretti team for the upcoming 2025/26 Formula E season. This announcement marks an important milestone for the talented Brazilian driver, who has found himself on the sidelines for much of the last few years, despite a stellar junior racing career.
Drugovich’s Journey in Racing
At just 25 years old, Felipe Drugovich has already made a name for himself in the racing world. He first caught the attention of motorsport fans and experts alike when he became the inaugural champion of the 2022 Formula 2 season. His victory in F2 was a testament to his skills and potential, leading to his recruitment by the Aston Martin development program. However, despite this promising start, Drugovich has struggled to secure a full-time seat in single-seater racing since then.
Throughout his tenure with Aston Martin, he has taken on the role of a test and reserve driver, working alongside Stoffel Vandoorne. This position has allowed him to gain valuable insights into the Formula 1 world, as he has had the opportunity to participate in various testing sessions and race weekends. Notably, Drugovich stepped in to drive for the injured Fernando Alonso during the first practice session of the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. He has also participated in multiple Pirelli tire tests, enhancing his understanding of the technical aspects of Formula 1 cars.
Expanding Horizons: Endurance Racing and Formula E
In addition to his responsibilities with Aston Martin, Drugovich has explored other racing disciplines. He has competed in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race over the past two years with the Cadillac Whelen team and has participated in five rounds of the European Le Mans Series in 2024. Furthermore, he made his debut in Formula E during the 2024/25 season, racing with Mahindra Racing. His performances in Formula E were commendable, including a noteworthy finish where he climbed from 19th to 7th place in one of his races, showcasing his racing prowess.
Despite these experiences, Drugovich felt a growing desire to return to full-time racing in single-seaters. “Since the beginning of the year, I was eager to get back to racing and not just waiting on the sidelines,” he expressed. This longing for competitive racing was compounded by the limitations of his current role at Aston Martin, where the established driver lineup of Alonso and Lance Stroll curtailed his opportunities for a promotion.
The Decision to Join Andretti
Felipe Drugovich’s move to Andretti is a pivotal step in his career. Reflecting on his choice, he reminisced about an earlier conversation with the team in 2023, when Andretti was at the peak of their performance with driver Jake Dennis, who had just clinched the championship title. “I had a very positive impression of the team since then,” Drugovich stated. “Being approached by them again solidified my decision. They have a strong track record, and I believe we can compete for wins and championships together.”
The 2025/26 Formula E season promises to be an exciting one, featuring a record-breaking calendar of 18 races. The season kicks off with a home race for Drugovich in Sao Paulo on December 6, an event he is particularly looking forward to. “Competing in front of my home crowd is a dream come true for me,” he remarked. “I’ve always wanted to race in a championship of this stature, especially in my own country. The atmosphere at last year’s race was electric, and I hope it will be even better this year.”
Scheduling Conflicts with Formula 1
However, the upcoming Formula E season does present some challenges, particularly with scheduling conflicts with Formula 1 events. Notably, the season opener in Formula E coincides with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and there are additional clashes during the Berlin, Shanghai, and Tokyo E-Prix races that overlap with key Formula 1 races including the Miami, British, and Hungarian Grand Prix in 2026.
When asked how this new role with Andretti might affect his ongoing relationship with Aston Martin, Drugovich remained non-committal. “I’m not sure yet,” he admitted. “My main priority was to finalize my deal with Andretti. I will have to assess what the best path forward is for my career.”
The Future of the Driver Market in Formula E
As the driver market in Formula E continues to evolve, it’s worth noting that Stoffel Vandoorne, who shares testing duties with Drugovich at Aston Martin, may find himself seeking a seat elsewhere as Citroen recently confirmed its driver lineup for the upcoming season. With established names like Nick Cassidy and Jean-Eric Vergne on board, Vandoorne’s future in Formula E could be uncertain, especially given the competitive nature of the series.
Additionally, Aston Martin’s young driver Jak Crawford, who also served as a reserve and development driver for Andretti in Formula E last season, is reportedly heading toward a potential reserve driver role with Cadillac’s Formula 1 team. This could further complicate the dynamics within the Aston Martin driver program.
Conclusion
Felipe Drugovich’s transition to Andretti for the 2025/26 Formula E season marks a new chapter in his racing career. With aspirations of competing for wins and the opportunity to perform in front of his home fans, Drugovich is eager to embrace the challenges and excitement that lie ahead. His journey illustrates the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where talent, perseverance, and timing all play crucial roles in shaping a driver’s career. As he gears up for this new challenge, fans and supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how he fares in the highly competitive world of Formula E.
