Felipe Drugovich is drawing significant attention as he vies for a coveted seat with the upcoming Cadillac Formula 1 team for the 2026 season. His recent standout performance during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, where he filled in for the injured Fernando Alonso in the first practice session, has sparked speculation about his future in F1 and his potential partnership with Sergio Perez.
Drugovich’s focus remains laser-sharp as he pursues the dream of securing a full-time role in Formula 1, leveraging his racing skills and experience to make his mark with Cadillac.
Impressive Performance Signals Readiness for F1 Return
Stepping onto the F1 stage during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Drugovich impressed by finishing 16th in the opening practice session, trailing his Aston Martin teammate Alonso by only three-tenths of a second. This display of talent was more than just a substitute appearance—it served as a clear message of his capabilities on the world’s biggest racing platform.
Regarding his sudden opportunity, Drugovich remarked,
“I’m trying to do the best I can on track, and then hopefully that translates into a seat next year.”
His calm approach amid intense pressure highlights his determination to contribute meaningfully to his team. He added,
“All I did was just try to do the work for the team and try to make them happy.”
Strong Rumors and Upcoming Announcements Fuel Anticipation
The motorsport community buzzes with rumors that Drugovich is the leading candidate to join Cadillac as Sergio Perez’s teammate. Multiple sources suggest a deal is imminent, with a possible announcement slated around the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This potential confirmation could mark a pivotal moment in his career, propelling him into the spotlight within Formula 1’s elite ranks.
A Confident Contender with Proven Credentials
In recent interviews, Drugovich has positioned himself as the best choice for Cadillac’s second seat, underscoring his extensive track record.
“I think I’m the best driver, the best third driver there is at the moment, with the most kilometers driven, the Formula 2 championship, victories, and experience in other categories as well,”
he declared confidently. This claim is underpinned by his notable statistic of never having crashed a Formula 1 or Formula 2 car—a rarity that sets him apart from many peers.
Additionally, Drugovich’s background spans multiple racing disciplines.
“Next year will be very much about the engine, about battery and energy savings, and that’s basically all the experience I have from Hypercar and Formula E as well,”
he emphasized, indicating his readiness for the futuristic technical demands of the 2026 F1 season.
Esteemed Support from a Legendary Teammate
Notably, Fernando Alonso—the world-renowned driver and Drugovich’s current teammate—has voiced strong support for the young Brazilian.
“It would be great to see him in F1,”
Alonso remarked, also praising his talent:
“He has an incredible talent, Formula 2 was a demonstration.”
This endorsement from such a respected figure lends significant weight to Drugovich’s aspirations and underlines the racing community’s recognition of his potential.
Established Connections with Cadillac Strengthen Bid
Felipe Drugovich’s experience extends beyond single-seater racing, having competed with Cadillac Whelen in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This existing relationship with Cadillac bolsters his credentials as a serious candidate for the team’s Formula 1 project. As F1 2026 approaches, marked by new technical regulations and a focus on hybrid power units and energy management, Drugovich’s diverse racing background could provide him a valuable edge.
With the championship season progressing and official announcements looming, Felipe Drugovich’s pursuit of a Cadillac F1 seat promises to be one of the most compelling storylines in motorsport. His mix of skill, determination, and endorsements positions him well to realize his dream of becoming a full-time Formula 1 driver in 2026.