Drugovich: "I'm working hard to represent Brazil on the grid"

Aston Martin unveiled the AMR23. It's their car for the 2023 Formula 1 season. The team's reserve driver, Brazilian Felipe Drugovich attended the event and spoke about his expectations for next year and his first impressions of the new car.

Working to be on the grid

Drugovich will accompany Aston Martin throughout 2023, taking turns with Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne in the British team's reserve seat. The Brazilian said he will be at most of the races and stressed that he is keeping an eye on the possibility of being a main driver for the team in the future.

"I got this chance with Aston this year, I will be following the team through most of the races learning as much as I can. That's the main goal for me and be ready for maybe a future opportunity. That's the main goal. [to get on the grid] I am working really hard to be representing Brazil one day. Brazilian partners are always good. I am working really hard to be there one day," Drugovich said during the car launch. 

Good base for 2023

In addition to his reserve driver duties during Grand Prix weekends, Drugovich will also work in the simulator to help develop the AMR23. For the Brazilian, the new car presents encouraging signs that the team will be able to evolve this year.

"In the sim, it's feeling amazing. A big step forward from last year, it all depends on how much the others will improve but I think everything is in the right way to improve. Hopefully gives us a good platform to keep developing," concluded the Brazilian.

In the 2022 season, Aston Martin finished seventh in the constructors' championship, with 55 points - the same score as Alfa Romeo. This year, the team are counting on Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, who replaces the retired Sebastian Vettel, to achieve a better result and return to the front of the middle pack.