Felipe Drugovich got his first taste of IndyCar in a test with Chip Ganassi Racing at Barber Motorsport Park in September.
The Brazilian has had limited racing appearances since winning the 2022 Formula 2 title as he has found himself on the sidelines as Aston Martin’s reserve driver in Formula 1.
Drugovich has fallen into the same category as many other F2 champions who have failed to find a seat in F1 after winning the championship. In fact, In fact, of the last five F2 champions, only one of them – Mick Schumacher – made it to the pinnacle of motorsport straight after claiming the title.
Drugovich’s only outings in racing since becoming F2 champion has been in the European Le Mans Series this year as he has been repeatedly denied an opportunity in F1.
Now, the 24-year-old is looking at other options in different categories as he does not seem keen on staying as Aston Martin’s reserve driver much longer.
Felipe Drugovich was ‘surprised’ by ‘extremely different’ IndyCar after Chip Ganassi Racing test
With his appearances in endurance racing this season, Drugovich has been linked with Aston Martin for their debut WEC campaign in 2025 with their Adrian Newey-inspired Valkyrie for the Hypercar class.
READ MORE: James Hinchcliffe hits back at ‘frustrating’ reaction to IndyCar’s Dallas race
The Brazilian has also previously tested Formula E machinery with Maserati, which the all-electric series presenting another opportunity for his career. However, Drugovich gave a cryptic response when asked about racing in WEC and FE as he considers his options for next year
On September 30, Drugovich was given a test with IndyCar giants CGR at Barber, with Chip Ganassi collecting ‘good information’ on Drugovich as they keep him as a contact for the future.
Speaking with Motorsport Brasil after his first outing in the American series, Drugovich explained his experience and what ‘surprised’ him the most about the machinery.
“Well, I think firstly it’s a motorsport that’s very different from what we’re used to, from how a team is structured, how a track is structured too,” he said.
“To start, there they don’t even have boxes. It’s different, right? They bring the trailers to the track, you have the pit wall and each team sets up its own ‘pit box’ for each car.
“So, everything is different starting from scratch and the driving style is also very different. The car, I was surprised by the car because it’s fast, but at the same time very different from what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be very similar to Formula 2.
“Even, the driving style isn’t that different, but the feeling the car gives you is extremely different from anything I’ve already driven.”
What options are there for Felipe Drugovich in 2025?
There are several options that could be available to Drugovich in 2025, but some categories are more realistic than others.
Despite being handed a test by CGR, the team do not have a seat for 2025 as Kyffin Simpson is expected to be retained alongside Alex Palou and Scott Dixon. There are some seats available in IndyCar for the 2025 season, so the series is not completely closed off for the Brazilian.
READ MORE: Ed Carpenter claims 163-point IndyCar driver’s potential is ‘off the charts’
One category that might be off the table is FE, given that ERT are the only team yet to confirm their drivers. However, the Chinese outfit are expected to retain Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara for the 2024/25 season, thus completed the FE grid for Season 11.
Aston Martin are searching for their drivers for their WEC programme next year, and given Drugovich’s experience in ELMS this season, he could be under consideration for a seat with the team come 2025.