Fernando Alonso will sit out the opening practice session at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix after picking up a back injury, Aston Martin has confirmed.
The two-time world champion, 44, felt discomfort following a recent training session, prompting the team to rest him for FP1 at the Hungaroring. Reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, the 25-year-old Brazilian who won the 2022 Formula 2 title, steps in for his first F1 outing of the season.
Aston Martin said in a statement: “Fernando has been managing a muscular injury in his back and, as a precaution, will not take part in FP1 today. A decision will then be made on Fernando’s participation in FP2 and the remainder of the weekend in due course.”
Alonso, who joined Aston Martin in 2023 and remains a key figure in their push for podiums, has been in solid form this year despite the team’s midfield struggles. He sits eighth in the drivers’ standings after a string of consistent points finishes, including a notable third place at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier in the campaign.
Drugovich, meanwhile, has been waiting in the wings since his F2 success, having tested extensively for Aston Martin. If Alonso’s issue persists, it could open the door for Drugovich to make a surprise race debut on Sunday.
The Hungarian GP marks the 13th round of the 2025 season, with Max Verstappen leading the championship for Red Bull ahead of Lando Norris at McLaren. Practice gets underway at 12:30 BST, live on BBC Sport.
Sources (click to expand):
https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/fernando-alonso-f1-hungarian-gp-aston-martin-b2800293.html,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Alonso,
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/racing/hungarian-gp-fernando-alonso-out-fp1-due-injury-aston-martin-f1-confirms-2107429,
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-fernando-alonso-suffers-injury-35657112,
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13404960/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-drivers-participation-in-doubt-for-hungarian-grand-prix-due-to-back-injury,
https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/fernando-alonso-f1-hungarian-gp-aston-martin-b2800293.html,
https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/motorsport/2025-08-01-alonso-to-miss-first-hungarian-gp-practice-due-to-back-injury/,
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/45876600/injured-fernando-alonso-sits-hungarian-gp-fp1,
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fernando-alonso-doubt-hungarian-grand-093153479.html,
https://speedcafe.com/f1-news-2025-alonso-to-miss-hungarian-practice-back-injury/
