Mattia Drudi on competing in two races at the same time, WEC Hypercar dream and letting go of the F1 dream at a young age
Mattia Drudi is a promising Sportscar specialist who races in various championships such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC), GT World Challenge Europe and IMSA as a factory driver for Aston Martin in GT3 machinery. The Italian has enjoyed a phenomenal 2026 season, fighting for championships across both the WEC and GTWC, scoring numerous wins and podiums.
Drudi was recently involved in one of the most unique and interesting challenges in modern Sportscar history, competing in both the WEC and GTWC on the same weekend. The Italian travelled between Spain and Portugal several times in order to fulfil his duties, despite the clash in schedule for the two races.
Mattia Drudi spoke with DIVEBOMB's Owen Bradley at the GTWC in Portimão about the challenge of racing in two endurance races at the same time, his 2026 title charge across the WEC and GTWC, as well as his ultimate goal of racing in the Hypercar class of the WEC, in this exclusive interview.
Drudi holds a busy racing schedule, competing full-time in the WEC and GTWC Endurance Cup, as well as competing in other flagship endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. In 2026, the Italian has had a strong campaign across the WEC and GTWC, finishing second in the standings of the GTWC Endurance Cup, whilst staying in the LMGT3 title fight up until the penultimate round of the WEC in Barcelona.
Speaking about his 2026 season, Drudi said: "It's been a really positive year, it started really nicely in January at Daytona with a third place. Working with Marco and Nicki in the GT World Challenge, this is our third season together, so we know each other really well. It's the same engineers and group of people working on the car, so that helps quite a lot with consistency and developing our speed. The results reflect our job, I think.
"We were unlucky in Monza, like plenty of other cars at the crash in Turn 1. At Spa, we were not the quickest but we could have finished around the Top 5, good points. Then the two wins in Paul Ricard and the Nürburgring. We are second in the standings, so that's really positive I feel. In WEC, last year we were competitive and a bit unlucky, I would say, because we showed potential. Last year we only got one podium at the last race of the season in Bahrain.
He added: "This year, Le Mans was a big disappointment because we were fighting for the win. We were certainly fighting for a podium, so I think a podium would have been possible. After that, with a win in COTA, a podium earlier in Spa and the second place in Fuji, I think we've been quite strong. WEC is quite difficult to be consistent in, but I think we've found good consistency and we were fighting for a championship, so that's really good and I'm happy."
Throughout 2026, Drudi and his co-drivers across the WEC and GTWC have seen great success. However, with such few races across both championships, a retirement from just one race can de-rail a team's entire championship campaign.
Across the GTWC, Drudi and the No.007 ComToYou Aston Martin squad completed just two of the five races. Despite this, they won both races that they managed to finish, at both the season opener in Paul Ricard and the Nürburgring round. The two victories were won in dominant fashion, but with the stack of retirements throughout the year, it left them out of contention for the Endurance Cup title going into the final round in Portugal.
In the WEC this season, Drudi and the No.27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin squad have scored three podiums and one victory in the LMGT3 class, which put them in contention for the title with just two races to go. However, at the penultimate round in Barcelona, the team suffered a disastrous race which left them five laps down, subsequently squandering their campaign going into the finale.
In October, Drudi was faced with a unique and tough challenge - competing in two endurance races on the same weekend, in two different countries. Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the WEC was forced to abandon the two races in Qatar and Bahrain, subsequently replacing them with two rounds in Spain and Italy. However, the WEC scheduled their race in Barcelona for the same weekend as the GTWC in Portugal.
The scheduling clash left many drivers stuck between competing in one championship or the other. Drivers like Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Raffaele Marciello focused exclusively on the WEC, leaving vacant seats in the GTWC for Portugal. Formula One's Max Verstappen stepped up to compete for his own team in between F1 rounds, whilst Nikita Mazepin also returned to racing at the GTWC in Portugal.
However, Mattia Drudi and a small handful of others did not abandon one championship or the other, instead competing in both the WEC and GTWC on the same weekend. This challenge would see the Italian flying back and forth between Spain and Portugal throughout the weekend, with Drudi also racing two different Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo's. Each championship also features different sets of rules and regulations, with the GTWC using Pirelli tyres and the WEC using Goodyear tyres, for example.
Asked about the challenge of competing in two races on the same weekend, Drudi revealed: "The change on the WEC calendar with Bahrain and Qatar being replaced, shifted the programme. I was still second in both championships, so it made sense to try and do both. It was a big challenge because the cars are different, there's different regulations in the races, like Safety Car procedures for example. The tyres are different, too.
"I know the two different cars and set-ups as well now after plenty of years driving it. From my side, I just try to adapt as best as I can and as quickly as I can jumping between the two cars. It was a bit busy because after {GTWC} Qualifying, I flew to Barcelona from Faro. We had a private jet organised with other drivers, but it was the only way because with normal flights it wouldn't be possible to be in time for everything.
"Then, we had FP3 and Qualifying in WEC on Saturday, and then I had to fly back just in time for the GTWC race, and then after the race fly back to Barcelona and sleep there. Then on Sunday we had the WEC race. With the rain in Barcelona, it's easier for my brain to adapt because it's completely different. If it was both dry, it would probably be more difficult, but as it's wet, you just switch completely and that's going to help me I think."
Going into Barcelona, Drudi and the No.27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin squad were still in contention for the WEC LMGT3 title. With Drudi flying between two countries and racing in two different championships with different rules and regulations, trying to stay focused on the championship goal at hand would have been disrupted throughout the weekend with his GTWC commitments.
Asked how he stayed focused on the WEC title in Barcelona, Drudi responded: "There's different mindsets for drivers, I was trying to follow WEC, but whilst I was in Portimao also trying to stay focused on what I'm doing there. Luckily, I've driven Barcelona many times, so I was not worried about the track, I've raced there for so many years with the GTWC. So, when flying I try to switch my brain to the next track and championship. I was in Portugal for two days, Thursday and Friday, so I was able to follow the GTWC fully. If you try to think about both at the same time, it's a bit more chaotic."
The WEC, GTWC, IMSA and 24 Hours of Nürburgring all have different rules and regulations across various facets. Across the WEC, GTWC and IMSA, each series has a different tyre manufacturer in Goodyear for WEC, Pirelli for GTWC and Michelin for IMSA. There are also different safety procedures, and the cars themselves are ran with slightly different specifications like the Balance of Performance (BoP).
Drudi has managed to achieve success in each series, with a Sprint Cup title in the GTWC back in 2023, as well as a victory in the WEC and a podium in IMSA at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The Italian has managed to adapt to different championships with relative ease, after several years of racing in regional championships.
Asked how he is able to adapt to the different championships, Drudi said: "I think it's something natural for some drivers. Once you know the cars quite well, you tend to be a bit quicker with adapting to new things, and being able to get used to something. It's a proper switch, this season I've been quite used to jumping between the championships, I've raced in IMSA and also Nürburgring with other different car specifications, so every weekend has been a bit of a challenge, and being used to that helps me a lot especially for the GT and WEC clash."
Racing in these different championships often means that Drudi is racing alongside different teammates and co-drivers throughout a season. Teammates play a vital role in each series, but particularly in a championship like the WEC, where the Bronze rated driver must complete the initial qualifying run, with the silver driver then taking over duties for Hyperpole, which determines the Top 10 on the grid.
A Bronze rated driver is typically either a less experienced, amateur or gentlemen driver. Bronze drivers are not able to compete in the Hypercar class, however they do race in GT3 championships. This means that a factory driver such as Drudi, is paired with Bronze rated drivers who are given a huge responsibility to put a car through to Hyperpole in WEC. This can sometimes mean that talented drivers that take over from a Bronze rated driver during the race, are starting from lower on the grid, which adds to the challenge of endurance racing.
Asked what it is like working with various different teammates across championships, Drudi revealed: "I think it's really interesting, because you learn a lot from every different person. I've been with Marco and Nicki for three years, but in WEC last year it was new for me, so it's two years sharing the car with Ian and Zach.
He added: "You can always take something from one another, and it's nice because you have you get used to working with different people, not just the drivers. The factory drivers now know each other quite well, but with the teams you see new people almost every weekend, and that's nice because you learn more like that. This makes it easier to improve each weekend."
After several years racing for Audi, Drudi switched to Aston Martin for the 2024 season, racing with Team ComToYou in the GTWC, before then joining Heart of Racing in the WEC in 2025. Alongside his GTWC and WEC LMGT3 commitments, and representing Aston Martin at other endurance events, Drudi is also a reserve driver for Aston Martin's Hypercar and GTP programmes in WEC and IMSA, the primary classes of each championship.
Aston Martin joined the WEC Hypercar class in 2025 with the Valkyrie, a loud car which boasts a 6.5 litre Cosworth RA naturally aspirated V12 engine. Unlike many other Hypercars, the Valkyrie is non-hybrid.
The iconic British manufacturer and racing team have managed several impressive results with the Valkyrie, and have been able to battle for the podium on occasion. However, Aston Martin have not yet scored a podium in the WEC since their return at the start of 2025. Despite this, new manufacturers entering WEC and IMSA frequently experience teething issues, and it can take a new manufacturer and team a couple of seasons to start seeing meaningful results and progress.
Asked what it is like working with Aston Martin, Drudi stated: "It's really nice, obviously it was a switch for me from Audi to Aston Martin at the end of 2023, so it's already my third season with the team. I'm really happy, I'm racing a lot, racing in all the championships possible, and I've recently been having more experiences in IMSA, which is something I never got to race in before joining Aston Martin, and the WEC as well.
"I had been used to racing in Europe and at the Nürburgring with Audi, but now I'm trying different things and that's what I was looking for when I switched. The first year, we got the 24 Hours of Spa win, which was probably the best way to start this new collaboration, this new part of my career. Last year we got some good results, but I think this year has been really good.
He added: "The car has performed really well throughout the whole season, throughout all the championships, I've had podiums and wins in IMSA, at Nürburgring we were close, and of course GT and WEC, so it's really nice to be present everywhere. I'm really happy with where I am now, it's exciting to go racing every weekend."
In the GTWC, Drudi races an Aston Martin with the number 007. Aston Martin is also synonymous with the James Bond 007 brand. Bond frequently travels the world on secret missions, staying in luxury hotels and leading a professional lifestyle somewhat similar to that of a racing driver, who is also required to fly across the globe, staying in luxury hotels in their mission to win races and championships.
Asked if racing for Aston Martin and travelling the world makes him feel like James Bond, Drudi said: "Kind of! In the GTWC I've been associated to the 007 for three years now. Of course, the first year was something cool, a new car with a new team and a new number. To win Spa with the 007 was cool, It's nice to be in this car and to be associated with this brand."
Many drivers in the WEC aspire to reach the primary class of the championship, the Hypercar class. However, to reach Hypercar, the drivers often have to spend several seasons proving themselves in GT3 machinery, before becoming a factory driver and joining the ranks of a manufacturer, with the hope of being promoted to Hypercar, or GTP in the IMSA championship.
Drudi is just 28-years old, and his career has progressed significantly, especially over the last couple of years, joining Aston Martin and now competing for titles in 2026 in GT3 machinery. However, Drudi is also Aston Martin's Hypercar and GTP reserve driver across both the WEC and IMSA championships.
The Hypercar class is often filled with Sportscar stars who have developed their skills over several years, and some drivers in Hypercar have come from championships like Formula One. With more manufacturers joining the WEC grid over the last few years, such as: Ferrari, BMW, Aston Martin and Genesis - more Sportscar drivers are being given the opportunity to race on the Hypercar grid. Next season, McLaren and Ford will enter the WEC, which opens up another six seats on the grid.
Speaking about his Hypercar dream, Drudi revealed: "Hypercar is my target for the future, I've been testing the car and I'm the reserve driver this year with the team. After so many years in GT, at some point the ambition is to try something more, try to go up in your career. Of course, the next logical step from here, is the Hypercar.
He added: "I'm really happy with Aston Martin and I would be really happy to be in the Valkyrie programme in the future, I'm driving the car and it's really nice to drive, it's a really nice challenge. They've been getting quicker and quicker in the last few races, so my aim is certainly to be there. I don't know when, but for sure that's my target and I'm working really hard to get there."
Over the last decade, Drudi's Sportscar career has taken off. The Italian is one of the most promising young talents on the grid and has won flagship endurance races like the 24 Hours of Spa. Alongside major victories, Drudi has also scored podium finishes at other flagship events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Drudi's progress has been especially impressive over the last few years as an Aston Martin factory driver, with the Italian now competing on the world stage, as well as in Europe and America.
Asked what his personal career highlight is and the biggest learning point in his career so far, Drudi revealed: "Biggest highlight has to be winning Spa, we won the race in it's centenary year. The hype was really high for the race, it was my first year with Aston and the first year of the car, with a new team. To put everything together, was a bit unexpected I would say. To win that, also in the way we got it, because we got the win with about half an hour to the end with a Ferrari in the pit lane. If I think about memories and emotions, that was probably the main moment of my career so far.
"I've been lucky enough to be on the podium in Daytona, Nurburgring and also at Petit Le Mans this year was a nice moment, because it was my first time there and nobody was really expecting us to be up there, and then we won the race. For sure, these two moments are highlights. Learning, I think whenever it doesn't go as planned, you can take something out of that.
He added: "I wouldn't say there's a specific moment, but even when there's bad luck or something you could have done different, you need to analyse something and take it as a lesson. Don't put yourself down, don't overthink it, take it in a positive way and then get better. At the end of the day, we are racing a lot because we are doing many weekends and many championships, so every weekend I feel that there is something you can take out and learn from. I wouldn't say it's one moment, but everything across the whole season, you can learn from and improve."
Drudi won the IMSA finale at Road Atlanta in October driving the No.68 Car Blanche Aston Martin alongside Valentin Hasse-Clot and Marco Sørensen, adding to his success with Aston Martin throughout 2026.
With Drudi competing in WEC and IMSA for the first time over the past two seasons and scoring poignant victories and podiums, the Italian has gained significant recognition as a rising star across the Sportscar field.
Asked what he would say to his younger self, Drudi said: "Of course as a kid you try to follow the F1 dream. I was quite young, trying to follow the next step to Formula 3 back in 2014, quite some years ago, but there was no budget to step up from F4. The season was quite positive, but I had to make the switch to GT racing. When you're still a kid, like 16 years old, it's not necessarily disappointing because you're still racing, but it was bittersweet.
"Looking back from where I am now, seven years as a factory driver, that's my job now. If I were to go back, I would tell him to just take this as a lesson. I switched to GT really early, I was 16 years old when I raced my first season in the Porsche Cup, and so I switched my passion earlier than other people.
He added: "I got my first contract with Audi when I was like 19/20, really early. I'm not the youngest anymore, but I still feel young! But now I already have years of experience with GT's, which is quite a lot so I would say don't take that hard stop to Formula One in a bad way, just another lesson to take into the future."
Numerous drivers have revealed that they have had to step away from the F1 dream. Arthur Leclerc revealed this to DIVEBOMB's Owen Bradley earlier this year, mentioning that it took the Monegasque driver several years to switch his mindset from F1 and single seater, open-wheel racing, to Sportscar racing. This sentiment was also echoed by Formula E's Dan Ticktum, who also had to re-structure his career outside of F1.
For a driver to reach F1, it is typically not through talent alone. Drivers such as Lance Stroll and Nikita Mazepin paid to be in Formula One, with Stroll's father Lawrence owning Aston Martin and subsequently choosing to give his son a race seat in Aston Martin's F1 team, despite the Canadian's lack of impressive results.
Stroll raced in the GTWC earlier this season at the opener in Paul Ricard, alongside former F1 driver Roberto Merhi. However, Stroll picked up numerous penalties alongside his teammates, with the penalty time adding up to eight minutes, leaving the No.18 ComToYou Aston Martin 12 laps down.
F1's Max Verstappen also joined the GTWC grid at the season finale in Portugal, but the No.3 Verstappen 2Seas Racing Mercedes squad picked up a drive-through penalty after Chris Lulham hit another car during the race. The four-time F1 champion managed to bring the No.3 Mercedes back to ninth at the end of his one-hour stint, however with two active F1 drivers competing in the GTWC and failing to finish in the Top 5, it proves that Sportscar racing can be very complex.
Asked about the process of letting go of his F1 dream, Drudi revealed: "It's hard at first, because you grow up watching F1. Of course, you are aware of other races like Le Mans, but as a kid you're watching F1 on Sunday's. You try to grow up early and win races to follow that dream, but luckily my father had a lot of experience with endurance racing, he won Le Mans, so he started quite early to put into my brain, that to follow the F1 dream is difficult because it's not just about talent.
There are many different factors that have to be put together, it doesn't just come from you. That was the right thing, to explain that to me from a young age. Of course, I was a bit sad when I switched, but my target was to make my passion my job. Being a factory driver is now the only way to make a full living in racing, so I had to work hard.
He continued: "After two seasons of the Porsche Cup I got a chance to do a rookie test with Audi in DTM with the class one cars, and it went really well and I got my first contract. At that point, even at 19/20, I looked back and thought 'my Dad was right'. To reach F1, there's only 20-22 seats, it's really difficult and it's not just about winning races. It took some time, but after racing with Porsche and focusing on my career in GT, it was not bad at all."
The 28-year old continues to race across various Sportscar championships and has found success in each series. Drudi's 2026 WEC season is set to finish in early November after the final race in Monza, before the Italian switches his focus to the Asian Le Mans Series just one week later, with the 2026/27 season opener at Paul Ricard.
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