Felipe Drugovich had a very successful junior career, and the Brazilian rapidly ascended the ladder towards Formula 1.
The 24-year-old won multiple championships, including the Spanish Formula 3 Championship, before clinching the Formula 2 title.
Drugovich’s title-winning campaign in F2 in 2022 was very impressive, taking five victories on his way to the championship.
The Brazilian driver dominated and finished 101 points ahead of his nearest challenger, Frenchman Theo Pourchaire.
Despite his superb championship in Formula 2, Drugovich’s career has since stalled as he has not raced for a full season. There is a lot of talent ascending the ladder which Drugovich is watching closely.
He explained when speaking to the Motorsport Brasil YouTube channel that one of the drivers in Formula 2 has been incredibly impressive over the year, and he could make the step up to F1.
Felipe Drugovich believes Gabriel Bortoleto can move up to Formula 1
Gabriel Bortoleto has driven incredibly well this season in Formula 2, leading the championship with two rounds to go ahead of Isack Hadjar.
The Brazilian driver has taken two wins so far this year and holds a slim 4.5-point lead ahead of Hadjar in the final stages of the campaign for Invicta Racing.
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McLaren also backs Formula 2’s championship leader, and Bortoleto has built on a successful season last year in FIA F3, winning the title.
Drugovich explained that his compatriot Bortoleto is driving well and may have an opportunity to become a Formula 1 driver.
He said: “I think he’s in a very good position to take over as a main driver next year. He’s already demonstrated that in Formula 3, and he is leading Formula 2.
“I think things came together for him in these two years, and he made the most of it. So, I have nothing to say about his work, and I think he did very well.”
Gabriel Bortoleto has limited options in Formula 1 for a seat in 2025
Bortoleto has been very impressive in FIA F2 but may not have the opportunity to graduate from the championship and move into Formula 1.
Despite being part of the McLaren junior programme, there are no open doors at the British team as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are performing admirably.
Only two seats are available in Formula 1 with one at Sauber, as the Swiss team look for a capable driver to partner Nico Hulkenberg, and the other at Visa Cash App RB.
The Brazilian is in contention for the remaining Sauber drive alongside Valtteri Bottas and Franco Colapinto, but there are doubts over whether Sauber will select Bortoleto.