Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich has admitted his frustration at missing out on a Formula 1 race seat in 2023 as he embarks on a reserve programme. MP Motorsport racer Drugovich dominated the F2 season, claiming five wins and hauling 265 points, 101 ahead of runner-up Theo Pourchaire. However, despite his success, the Brazilian was unable to secure a promotion to Formula 1 - the second successive F2 champion to be in that position following Oscar Piastri's 2021 title win. Unlike Piastri, Drugovich was not part of any F1 junior squad, but did sign with Aston Martin after wrapping up his title. He made his first F1 appearance in first practice at the Abu Dhabi GP with more outings planned for 2023 - and although a race programme in another series has not been agreed, Drugovich has previously spoken of his desire for something to be arranged.
Drugovich on missing race seat
The 22-year-old has admitted that after realising F1 was "impossible" the Aston role was the best "opportunity" available. "Obviously in winning the Formula 2 championship, I wanted to be in Formula 1 next year," Drugovich explained to media including RacingNews365.com at the FIA prize gala. "But when I realised that was impossible, Aston Martin gave me the best opportunity without actually driving in F1. "It was not so nice in the beginning, but I realised it is a very good programme. "I am studying with them and they started the young drivers programme so they really want to make it work with me. "I'll be doing testing and I'll be in the car, so we've got to be prepared. "Hopefully in one or two years' time, I'll be in there [in F1]."
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