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THE ROAD TO CADILLAC: DRUGOVICH IN CONTENTION

Felipe Drugovich has been making steady progress in the world of motorsport, and while he’s currently a reserve driver for Aston Martin in Formula 1, his future in the sport remains up in the air. As Cadillac prepares to join the F1 grid in 2026, could Drugovich be in line for a seat with the American team? Let’s take a look at his current position and the path ahead.

At the moment Drugovich’s role in F1 is as Aston Martin’s official reserve driver. This means he gets to participate in practice sessions and testing when needed but doesn’t have a guaranteed seat for race weekends. Aston Martin’s main drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, are firmly established at the team for the time being, so Drugovich’s opportunities to drive during actual race weekends are limited.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 25: Felipe Drugovich of Brazil and Aston Martin F1 Team prepares to drive in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 25, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)


However, Drugovich did get a chance to shine during the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, when he replaced Fernando Alonso in FP1. This was a big opportunity for him to show his skills on track and collect important data for the team, even though it was only a practice session. It gave him valuable exposure, but it also highlighted how rare these opportunities are for him in F1.

The Cadillac F1 Entry and 2026 Possibilities

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 is one of the most exciting developments in the sport. In partnership with Andretti, Cadillac plans to build a competitive team that will make its debut on the F1 grid. As a new team, Cadillac will be looking to fill their driver lineup, and while the details are still up in the air, 2026 could be the year that opens up opportunities for talented new drivers like Drugovich.


The question is: will he be one of those drivers? While the team’s driver line-up is yet to be decided, the arrival of a new team presents fresh opportunities. If Cadillac wants to bring in new talent to help develop their program, Drugovich could be a strong candidate, especially with his background in Formula 2 and his role as a reserve driver in F1.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 01: Felipe Drugovich of Brazil driving the (34) Aston Martin AMR25 Mercedes leaves the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 01, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images)

Drugovich’s Performance and Experience

He has already proven his abilities in the junior categories, particularly with his victory in the 2022 Formula 2 Championship. His F2 title shows that he has the skills and consistency needed to perform at the top level of motorsport. His experience in F2 has helped him develop essential racecraft, and this could make him a valuable asset for any F1 team looking for fresh talent.

However, Drugovich’s F1 experience has been limited so far. As a reserve driver, his opportunities to drive in actual races are few and far between. For him to stand out as a candidate for a 2026 seat with Cadillac, he’ll need to continue impressing in any future opportunities, whether it’s through testing or more FP1 appearances or even as replacement for another driver. 

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 22: Race winner Felipe Drugovich of Brazil and MP Motorsport (11) celebrates on the podium during the Round 4:Barcelona Feature Race of the Formula 2 Championship at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 22, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

What will it take for him to join Cadillac?

While the idea of Drugovich joining Cadillac in 2026 is exciting, it’s not guaranteed. F1 is highly competitive, and getting a seat with a new team like Cadillac depends on several factors.

To boost his F1 chances, Drugovich should continue honing his skills and excel in practice sessions to attract attention. With potential driver shifts in 2026, he must stay prepared to seize opportunities. His Formula 2 background could align well with Cadillac’s strategy if they aim to pair experienced drivers with emerging talent.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 24: Felipe Drugovich of Brazil and Aston Martin F1 Team prepares to drive in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 24, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

A Wait-and-See Situation

Felipe Drugovich’s chances of landing a seat with Cadillac F1 in 2026 are still uncertain, but there are reasons to be hopeful. His F2 title and role as Aston Martin’s reserve driver put him in a strong position. However, securing a race seat will depend on his ability to keep proving himself and making the most of every opportunity.

The next few years will be crucial. Whether Drugovich earns a full-time F1 seat in 2026 will depend on how well he capitalizes on upcoming chances. With new teams entering F1, his path could be full of opportunity—if he continues to impress and make smart moves.

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