Drugovich poised to sacrifice Le Mans for F1 debut at Aston Martin
Felipe Drugovich has expressed his commitment to Formula 1, indicating he is willing to forego his entry in the Le Mans 24 Hours with Cadillac to take the helm as a stand-in for the injured Lance Stroll at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Stroll’s Recovery and Aston Martin’s Challenge
Stroll was forced to withdraw from the Spanish Grand Prix due to pain stemming from a wrist fracture he sustained in a cycling accident earlier this year. While the specifics of his recovery remain unclear, there is growing concern that he may not be fit to race at his home Grand Prix in Montreal from June 13-15.
Due to F1 regulations, Aston Martin could not replace Stroll as he qualified 14th on the grid before pulling out. Consequently, Drugovich, serving as the team’s reserve driver, was unable to step in, and Fernando Alonso ended up racing solo, finishing ninth after benefiting from a late penalty to Max Verstappen.
Drugovich’s Priority: Formula 1
Drugovich was originally scheduled to compete at Le Mans alongside Jack Aitken and Frederik Vesti in Cadillac’s #311 Hypercar, but he has reiterated that his “priority has always been Formula 1.” Speaking to reporter Thiago Fagnani from Band, he stated, "First of all, we have to wish Lance the best. For Le Mans, that’s what must be maintained until then."
It remains uncertain if Aston Martin can secure Drugovich’s services over his sportscar commitments, but his statements suggest he is prepared to prioritise his F1 prospects.
Alternative Options for Aston Martin
As Drugovich and Stroll’s commitments clash with the Le Mans race, Aston Martin faces a dilemma. The team’s other reserve driver, Stoffel Vandoorne, is also busy racing in the Hypercar class with the #94 Peugeot squad. Additionally, developing driver Jak Crawford lacks the required FIA superlicence to compete in F1 at this time.
There is, however, the possibility of approaching engine partner Mercedes to utilize Valtteri Bottas, who remains available for the Canadian GP and could provide a suitable solution for the team.
In summary, Drugovich’s potential debut in F1 could hinge on Stroll’s recovery, positioning him at the centre of Aston Martin’s strategic decisions as they navigate the complications of driver commitments in motorsport.
