Felipe Drugovich will replace Lance Stroll in case of withdrawal
After replacing the Canadian driver during the winter tests, the F2 2022 champion has been confirmed by Aston Martin as a substitute, if necessary, for the first Grand Prix in a week in Bahrain.
Aston Martin has confirmed that their reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, will indeed replace Lance Stroll for the pre-season tests, who is unable to participate due to a bicycle accident.
“Lance Stroll, injured wrist after a bike fall shortly after the shakedown of the AMR23.”
While Sebastian Vettel or Stoffel Vandoorne were mentioned in the paddock, their returns will not happen. A logical decision for Drugovich, who had participated, along with Fernando Alonso, in the successful implementation of development programs for the green car during winter testing.
The team will continue to give Lance every opportunity to race, while he recovers from his injury. If he is unable to compete, Felipe will drive the AMR23 alongside Fernando, Aston Martin confirmed via its networks.
While he was not part of any program during his time in the promotion formulas, Felipe Drugovich joined the Aston Martin development program.
“The Brazilian, after winning the title in Formula 2 last year, found refuge at Aston Martin as a development driver.”
At 22 years old, and after not making any mistakes during his winter tests, he may have a very big opportunity to show what he’s capable of. A certain Nyck de Vries had his chance last year in Monza with Williams, before signing with AlphaTauri this season at 28 years old.
An update on our driver line-up for the #BahrainGP.
The team will continue to give Lance every chance to race, pending recovery from his injury. Should he not be fit to compete, then Felipe will drive the AMR23 alongside Fernando. pic.twitter.com/G0gtPt0tAh
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) February 26, 2023
