Felipe Drugovich talked to GRANDE PRÊMIO about the current scenario when the subject is F1. The Brazilian said he would embrace the opportunity that arises, regardless of the team, but recognizes that just being the champion of F2 is not enough to rise to the elite of motorsports
The 132 points at the top of the Formula 2 2022 season - 49 ahead of second placed Théo Pourchaire - is a nice calling card for Felipe Drugovich when the subject is F1 2023. But the Brazilian is very conscious when it comes to the reality for drivers who are in the base categories fighting for a chance to be in the elite of world motorsport.
Focusing entirely on the challenge still ahead of him this year, Drugovich talked to GRANDE PRÊMIO about the future and the current scenario when the subject is Formula 1. The MP driver explained that he counts with the support of people who are, in his words, "moving the cards for next year", although he prefers to keep as far away as possible so that the expectation around a possible F1 promotion doesn't hinder his performance in F2.
"I think we are moving well. On the other hand, I try to stay as unrelated as possible to focus as much as possible on the F2 championship, which is the main thing I need to complete this year," Drugovich told GP. "Thinking about these things too early ends up hindering the driver. I have people who take care of this for me, and for sure they are there, working on the cards for next year. Logically, the focus is the F1, but for this to happen, we need to finish the year very well," he pointed out.
When asked if he sees any specific team as a good gateway for a driver who aspires to the F1, Drugovich guaranteed that any F2 driver would embrace the opportunity that arises, regardless of the place. Especially considering the current times for drivers who are at the bottom.
"I think today is one of the most difficult times for you to get into F1, for any driver. Before you had drivers not even passing through F2 and going to F1, or arriving behind in F2 and going to F1. Nowadays, not even the driver that won the F2 is managing to go", the Brazilian pointed out.
About Drugovich's observation, the most recent examples are Nyck de Vries and Oscar Piastri, F2 champions in the 2019 and 2021 seasons, respectively. The Australian is a member of the Alpine Driver's Academy and one of the names strongly tipped to make his debut in F1 next year, but without a definition. On the other hand, de Vries ended up looking for an alternative route, going to Formula E. The Dutchman is the current champion of the category and has once again had his name associated with F1.
For Drugovich, taking one step at a time is the right way to include his name once and for all in the radar of the world's motorsport elite. "Really, it is very difficult, but at the same time, I think that if you are at the right time, everything is right, these things can happen. I'm 100% focused to at least do my part," he concluded.
The third part of the interview with Felipe Drugovich will be aired at 6 PM on the GRANDE PRÊMIO YouTube channel 1. The first and second parts are also available.