Felipe Drugovich has admitted that a drive in Formula 1 would be his “priority” amid a potential dilemma between a possible Aston Martin seat and his drive at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The British marque is potentially on the lookout for a temporary replacement for Lance Stroll, who faces a potential period on the sidelines after opting to undergo surgery on a pre-existing hand and wrist injury.
The Canadian pulled out of the Spanish Grand Prix after qualifying, complaining of pain that intensified enough to see him unable to take the start.
Drugovich was present at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but could not step in, as Stroll had already set a time on Saturday, having reached Q2.
It is not known yet how long Stroll’s recuperation will be, putting the Silverstone-based squad on standby to call up a reserve
However, Drugovich is contracted to race in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, which takes place the weekend of the Canadian Grand Prix, driving the #311 Cadillac Whelen Hypercar alongside Jack Aitken and Frederik Vesti.
But speaking to Brazilian TV station Band, Drugovich was frank about F1 being at the top of his wish list, appearing to not rule out abandoning the endurance classic for a shot with Aston Martin alongside Fernando Alonso.
“At the moment, I don’t even know exactly how things will happen from now on,” he said.
“First of all, we have to wish Lance the best. For Le Mans, in that regard, my priority has always been Formula 1, so that’s what must be maintained until then.”
Who is on Aston Martin’s reserve list?
Aston Martin has an impressive roster of reserve and test drivers, but mitigating factors could potentially see all three struggle to fill the possible vacancy.
The team also has former F1 driver and current Formula E driver Stoffel Vandoorne on its books, but the Belgian is also due to race at Le Mans, in the #94 Peugeot Hypercar.
Jak Crawford, who is currently fourth in the Formula 2 championship, is automatically ruled out on the grounds of not having yet obtained enough points to hold a Super Licence.
Given that Aston Martin is, until the end of this year, a Mercedes-powered team, another logical option would be Mercedes’ reserve driver Valtteri Bottas.
The Finn already has another Mercedes-powered car in the shape of a McLaren this year, and would more than likely be loaned to race if needed.
However, Drugovich, now 25, would surely be keen to put his foot down if it is at all possible, given that, having not yet made his F1 debut, this would be a fantastic chance to prove himself.
The additional factor at play is that he has been allegedly placed on Cadillac’s list of options for the team’s first F1 season next year, and a good showing at Aston could promote him up the pecking order there, with competition for the two seats at the American squad said to be high.
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