F1 Insider: Drugovich Talks His Bahrain FP1 Run

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Aston Martin’s rising star shares his FP1 insights, from Bahrain’s challenging heat to his hopes for a strong weekend ahead.

Aston Martin’s Felipe Drugovich spoke candidly about his experiences at the Bahrain Grand Prix, reflecting on the unique challenges and joys of racing at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). In an exclusive interview with TDT’s Hussain Almaskati, the Brazilian driver—who impressed in FP1 of the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix today—shared insights into how the Sakhir circuit compares to other global venues and how track conditions influence team strategies.

A Familiar Haunt with Fond Memories

When asked about his annual visits to the Bahrain Grand Prix and how they compare to other tracks, including the recent outing at Japan's Suzuka Circuit, Drugovich highlighted the stark differences. “Yeah, I think it’s very different from Japan. Weather-wise, it’s quite good here,” he said. The 29-year-old, a regular at BIC since the early stages of his career, reminisced about his first visit. “Actually, the last time we were here was very cold in testing,” he recalled, referring to pre-season preparations. “I always enjoy coming here. I’ve been coming here since 2017, I think, was my first year here.” He added, “Or 2013, actually, when I did the World Championship in go-karts, which was quite cool.”

He described the circuit’s evolution but maintained that its appeal had remained unchanged. “It was quite different back then, but I always liked it. The track is always quite cool, good weather. It’s always been a good track for me, with solid results.”

For Drugovich, BIC holds a special place, not just for its challenging layout but also for the consistent success he’s enjoyed, reflecting his confidence for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Performance Reflection

Drugovich appeared satisfied with his return to the cockpit, as his FP1 run provided a solid foundation for the weekend. The session went smoothly under Bahrain’s searing heat, allowing Aston Martin to collect valuable data. While the early signs were promising, there’s an understanding that further refinement is needed as conditions shift for the cooler evening sessions.

Track Conditions and Strategic Challenges

Shifting focus to the technical side, Drugovich was asked about how the track conditions at Bahrain affect team strategies. He explained the unique dynamics at play: “I think what it affects the most is how they approach quali and the cooler sessions, because you can’t really take into consideration the setup we’re running in the hot conditions.”

He elaborated on the expected shifts as temperatures drop: “We’re probably going to go three to four seconds quicker, which is quite a lot, and the setup can change a lot with that. It’s tricky to get to know anything from the car, but as a driver, it’s always good to be in the car and driving around.”

Drugovich’s insights highlight the adaptive nature required at BIC, where daytime heat contrasts sharply with the cooler evenings of qualifying and the race.

A Bright Spot in FP1

In FP1, Drugovich finished P16, with a field that included six rookies. While not at the very top, his steady lap times and composure under pressure showed why he’s regarded as a rising star within Aston Martin. His ability to adapt to the challenging conditions and deliver consistent feedback will be crucial as the team prepares for the remaining two days of the Bahrain GP.

Looking Ahead

With both FP1 and FP2 completed today, tomorrow's action will see the grid return for FP3 and the all-important Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday will then feature the drivers’ parade, followed by the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix itself—a 57-lap race or 120-minute showdown under the floodlights.

As the weekend progresses, Drugovich remains optimistic. “It’s always good to be in the car and driving around,” he concluded, highlighting his passion for the sport and the BIC. For Aston Martin, his experience and perspective could prove invaluable in unlocking the team’s potential in what promises to be a competitive weekend.