Alonso champions ‘incredible’ Drugovich for Cadillac F1 seat

©AstonMartin

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Fernando Alonso has thrown his support behind Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, insisting the Brazilian has the talent to thrive in Formula 1 – and perhaps even as soon as 2026 with Cadillac.

The American manufacturer will join the grid as the sport’s 11th team in 2026, with names such as Sergio Pérez, Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher, and Drugovich linked to the project. But Alonso believes his young teammate-in-waiting has already proven himself.

The two-time world champion, who has worked closely with Drugovich during his time at Aston Martin, was emphatic in his endorsement.

“It would be great to see him in F1,” Alonso said, quoted by Crash.net. “He has an incredible talent, Formula 2 was a demonstration. We can see it here every day when we work with him.”

The Spaniard highlighted not just Drugovich’s racing pedigree but his professionalism in the background roles he’s taken on.

“The simulator work, some of the free practices that he has. He has been always delivering the performance that the team was asking, even with very limited kilometres.”

©AstonMartin

For Alonso, it’s only a matter of time before the 2022 Formula 2 champion gets his full shot.

“It would be interesting to see him in a full-time drive and I hope it happens.”

Cadillac Decision Looms

While Cadillac is believed to be leaning toward experience – with Pérez reportedly close to a deal and Bottas still in the mix – Drugovich has quietly continued to strengthen his case.

Read also: Cadillac F1 and Schumacher: A strategic fit for both parties?

He drove in FP1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix for Aston Martin, demonstrating once again the adaptability that Alonso praised. Yet the Brazilian remains measured about his prospects.

“I really don’t know. I’m trying to do the best I can on track, and then hopefully that translates into a seat next year,” the 25-year-old hopeful said.

“But at the same time, I can’t really think about that when I’m driving. So all I did was just try to do the work for the team and try to make them happy, and hopefully that one day gives me a seat in Formula 1.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.