Fernando Alonso will not take part in the first practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix after suffering a back injury.
Aston Martin confirmed that Brazilian reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will step in for Alonso during Friday’s FP1 session. The 44-year-old Spaniard has been dealing with muscle pain since the Belgian Grand Prix and has decided to continue treatment instead of driving.
“Felipe Drugovich will drive in FP1 alongside Lance Stroll,” the team said. “A decision will be made later about Fernando’s participation in the rest of the weekend.”
Alonso, a two-time world champion, won his first ever Formula 1 race at the Hungaroring in 2003 while driving for Renault. Drugovich, 25, won the Formula 2 championship in 2022 and has completed several F1 test sessions, but is yet to start an official race.
Aston Martin currently sit eighth in the Constructors’ Championship, just one point ahead of Haas.
