Drugovich drops out on the first lap, but is F2 champion

Despite exiting the Italian Grand Prix Formula 2 Felipe Drugovich is Formula 2 champion, securing the title at Monza, the penultimate F2 weekend of the season.

He managed to stay calm

In an interview with Bandsports after the end of the race, Drugovich said he managed to stay calm. "I was (nervous), but at the end of the day, it wouldn't change anything to be nervous there. We just had to enjoy the moment. I would enjoy it more if I was on the track, but anyway, it's too good," he said.

The retirement at the start was only his second of the year. Drugovich had only abandoned the race in Monaco, where he had problems with his tyres and was also punished for speeding in the pit lane. But not even the first accident of the season was able to diminish the happiness of the new champion.

"This here is a dream for me. I think everyone who starts (motor racing), especially in Brazil, has the dream of Formula One, but when you see how difficult it is, how difficult it is to get a title like this here, it's absurd. I am very grateful to everyone who helped me. Thank you, Brazil, for the support," he celebrated.

The brief race at Monza on Saturday

Drugovich also commented on how his brief race at Monza went on Saturday. "I had a pretty safe start, so to speak. The guys didn't leave any space, a shame about that. But anyway, I think it was the first crash of the year. So, it was what it was, and we are very happy," concluded the Brazilian.

Drugovich achieved a historic feat. In the last 7 seasons, that is, between 2015 and 2021, the Formula 2 champion driver (including the GP2 years) was either racing for the Prema Racing team or for ART Grand Prix, which are the two best teams on the grid. In 2022, Drugovich managed to be champion with the MP Motosport team, which is part of the intermediate squad of the grid, which has to be taken into consideration when we remember the strong performance shown by the Brazilian this season.

F1 Vacancy?

Drugovich now waits for an opportunity in Formula 1. Several rumours have already appeared around the future of the Brazilian, who has already had his name linked to some teams, like Aston Martin, AlphaTauri and even Alpine. However, everything is just speculation, although it is likely that the Brazilian will get a place as a reserve driver in some Formula 1 team for 2023. The strongest rumours indicate that he would occupy this position at Aston Martin, however, we still have to wait and see.