Felipe Drugovich: Brazil has a strong bond with Formula 1

Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, reserve driver at Aston Martin and participant in the youth program, dreams of one day driving in Formula 1…

Question: Brazil has a unique, special bond with Formula 1. Why do you think this is so?
Felipe Drugovich: Brazil has a long and strong connection with Formula 1, we have our own legends, such as Ayrton Senna, many excellent circuits where I was lucky enough to compete.

I was also lucky to have the support of my sponsors, but still, coming from Brazil and wanting to succeed in high-level motorsport, I had to travel 10,000 kilometers from home to make it work.

Brazilians are very passionate and motivated when it comes to racing. When we do it, we do it well.

Q: Which racer was your idol as a child and throughout your career?
Felipe Drugovich: Of course, Ayrton Senna. Moreover, our family was very close to Felipe Nasr’s family.

When Felipe took part in Formula 1, I followed him very closely and tried to learn from his experiences. I was into karting at the time and dreamed of following in his footsteps.

I really wanted to see him perform at Interlagos; it is always a special moment when you see your compatriot on his home circuit.

Q: What can you say about Interlagos?
Felipe Drugovich: This is a very lively song, with its own atmosphere and character. I first came to the Grand Prix in 2011, when I won the Brazilian karting championship. Everyone looked like astronauts in their helmets and overalls – it felt like I was at NASA. For me, who came from karting, it was a completely different world.

When I arrived as a contender for the Formula 2 title, people shouted my name from the stands. I could not believe it.

Question: What is the secret of the fastest lap in Sao Paulo?
Felipe Drugovich: Interlagos is an old circuit, very bumpy. You have to attack the curb as much as possible and the car has to be able to deal with that. You need precision and accuracy – you understand that you can spin in medium and fast turns.

Formula 1 drivers always attack at the limit, but in Interlagos the car is like a living being, you feel that when you put pressure on your opponents. This is one of the reasons why racing at this track is so exciting, and this year the weekend includes a sprint on Saturday.

Question: How do you evaluate Lance and Fernando’s season?
Felipe Drugovich: Great season. The last few races have been difficult for various reasons, but this does not detract from our performance. Currently, the team’s riders have achieved 236 points, compared to 55 last year.