Aston Martin to place Drugovich for Bahrain Grand Prix if Stroll withdraws

Aston Martin ended the suspense. The British team has finally revealed its plan in the event that Lance stroll was expected to be absent for the first meeting of the season, the Bahrain Grand Prix (March 5). The Canadian, injured in his wrist after a bicycle fall in early February, had to miss pre-season testing with the English team. Felipe Drugovich then took the wheel of the AMR23 for two half-days on the Sakhir circuit to replace him.

If Lance Stroll were to withdraw from the first GP of the year again, the Brazilian would then start alongside Fernando Alonso. This could then be the first Grand Prix of the career of the champion of Formula 2 In title. He could also become the first Brazilian to start a race in F1 since Pietro Fittipaldi, who replaced Romain Grosjean at the end of the 2020 season.

An update on our driver line-up for the #BahrainGP. 

The team will continue to give Lance every chance to race, pending recovery from his injury. Should he not be fit to compete, then Felipe will drive the AMR23 alongside Fernando. pic.twitter.com/G0gtPt0tAh

— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) February 26, 2023

It is ultimately the most logical choice for Aston Martin, which wants to trust its reserve driver. However, the British team wants to give itself time to assess Lance Stroll's state of health before making a firm decision. Mike Krack's team will wait until the last moments to decide whether or not Felipe Drugovich will start in the AMR23.

The young 22-year-old driver, crowned in F2 last season, gave satisfaction to his team during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Fernando Alonso himself praised the Brazilian's work during the winter tests. “We missed Lance here this week, but I have to say that Felipe adapted very well and did a good job. »

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