F1: McLaren adds Aston Martin’s Vandoorne, Drugovich to 2023 F1 reserve driver pool

McLaren and Aston Martin, who share engine partner Mercedes, have agreed to a deal where reigning Formula E champion Vandoorne and 2022 Formula 2 champion Drugovich will be made available to the Woking team in case it needs a replacement for regular drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

The deal covers the majority of the 2023 F1 season from the early March start in Bahrain until round 15, the Italian Grand Prix on the first weekend of September.

“AMF1 has agreed that McLaren will have access to our reserve drivers, Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, in the instance that they are required for driving duties for the first 15 races of 2023,” Aston Martin announced on social media, with McLaren posting a similarly worded statement.

AMF1 has agreed that McLaren will have access to our reserve drivers, Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, in the instance that they are required for driving duties for the first 15 races of 2023. pic.twitter.com/mHLM730BgT

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) February 20, 2023

We will have access to @AstonMartinF1‘s reserve drivers, Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, in the instance that they are required for driving duties for the first 15 races of 2023. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/IRW9SjPy2v

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 20, 2023