Felipe Drugovich will replace Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin in FP1 at 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Drugovich has previously participated in five FP1 sessions for Aston Martin and will again step in to replace Alonso in FP1 at the Bahrain GP, in his first practice appearance of the season with each race driver required to vacate their seat in FP1 to a rookie driver.
Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto however are exempt due to being rookies who had competed fewer than two Grands Prix at start of the season, so met the requirement in their seat by participating in FP1 in Australia and China respectively.
Excited to get back out on the track at a circuit which he knows well from his time in F2 and participated in the 2023 F1 pre-season test in Sakhir, after Lance Stroll was ruled out due to an accident.
“I’m very happy to be getting out in the F1 car again, especially so early in the season. I’ve been preparing on the simulator to get a feel for the car, and Bahrain is a track I know well and really enjoy driving.
“I’m excited to contribute and give the team the data they need to perform at their best this weekend. Thanks to the whole team for their continued support.”
CEO and Team Principal, Andy Cowell added that the team are “pleased” to have Drugovich participating in FP1 as a reward for his hard work on the simulator.
“He has been an integral part of our team’s simulator programme at the AMR Technology Campus and consistently provides valuable and insightful feedback that helps drive the development of the car.
“Felipe is a trusted pair of hands, and we’re confident he’ll do a great job in FP1 and contribute to our preparations for the race weekend.”
