Formula One's Americas triple-header concludes this weekend with the São Paulo Grand Prix at historic Interlagos. Aston Martin Aramco Test and Reserve Driver, and local hero, Felipe Drugovich previews the weekend and reflects on driving the AMR24 last time out in Mexico City.

You made your return to an F1 car for Free Practice One in Mexico. How did you find it?

"It was great. Jumping into an F1 car is always a pleasure and I was very happy to be back. It was something I was looking forward to for a long time and it was nice to get to know the AMR24 properly for the first time, having only experienced it in the simulator. I felt good and I was pleased with how I adapted to a car and circuit I didn't know.

"I would have loved to have got more laps in with different tyres and different downforce settings, but we had some red flags in the session to contend with. However, I was still pleased with what I managed to do with the time I was behind the wheel."

What preparation work did you do for the session?

"I was the designated Test and Reserve Driver for Mexico City so I was doing my usual duties in the sim, trying to help the team get a good baseline setup for the car.

"I also just needed to dial in with how the AMR24 might feel and familiarise myself with the circuit – I'd never driven it before so laps, even on a sim, around the track were very useful."

How will running in Free Practice One help you and the team further develop the AMR24?

"I've got a good idea of things we can look at based on the session, which we'll address the next time I'm in the simulator. Obviously, it's not a simple process to just go into the sim and change things, it takes time, but there are areas we've identified to keep working on.

"Overall, I've done 15-20 days on the sim to help develop the car this year, and now that I've driven it in real life it'll be good to go back to the simulator to correlate with the real-world data."

How important is time in the car to display your talent?

"It's very important. We have very limited time in a practice session so it's vital to get on with it and show what you can do and your potential; I think I managed to do that.

"It's a challenge to get to grips with a new car and a new track to really show what you can do, but I handled everything well and the team were pleased with what we were able to do."

You recently took part in an IndyCar test. What are your reflections on that and how are your driving plans shaping up for 2025?

"It was very good. The team there were happy with what I did and I was on the pace. I was really happy with the car as well – it was fun to drive, similar to F2 but faster. It was also very physical so I enjoyed experiencing that.

"In terms of next year, I have a few options available but nothing is confirmed yet, and I'm focusing on still developing as a driver with Aston Martin Aramco. The team has treated me really well over the last two and a half years and I've learned a huge amount."

What are your plans for the rest of the year with the team?

"I will be continuing my work in the simulator at the AMR Technology Campus, preparing for races in my role as Reserve and Test driver and be ready in case I'm needed.

"I'm attending the São Paulo Grand Prix with the team as a reserve, and hopefully I'll be taking part in one more Free Practice before the end of the season as well."

What else is on your agenda in Brazil?

"I'll be doing a lot of interviews with local media, keeping across all the sessions when Lance and Fernando are out on track, and supporting the team with feedback.

"I'll enjoy being home as well. The São Paulo Grand Prix is always one I love attending because I get a lot of attention from the crowd and the media and I try and embrace that. Their support means a lot."

What's the key to setting a quick lap at Interlagos?

"Tyre preparation is very important, especially for Turn One. There's quite a bit of elevation change from left to right and if you don't have the tyres right, braking is very tricky and it's very easy to lock up. The entry to Turn Two is something that you need to open up with a good exit from Turn One and there are long hairpins in Sector Two where you can make up a lot of time."

Brazilian fans generate a fantastic atmosphere. What's your experience of that as a home hero?

"The people of Brazil have been fantastic with me whenever I've gone with the team. I've had a lot of people cheering for me even though I'm not driving and every time I'm there I feel very much at home. It's also a home race for our partner Banco Master who are passionate about F1 and growing the sport in Brazil, so it's a very special weekend and the support really means a lot.

"One of the cool things about Interlagos is the fans are very close to the circuit and are incredibly loud. I can hear them shouting my name and that took me by surprise when it first happened. They really push you on and you can tell how much F1 means to them."