Fernando Alonso may miss the Hungarian Grand Prix after the two-time Formula 1 champion suffered a back injury on the eve of the race.
F1 is at the Hungaroring this weekend in the final race before the summer break.
However, one of the sport’s biggest stars may not be racing after Aston Martin shockingly announced on Friday morning that Alonso will miss the first practice session through injury.
‘In the days following the Belgian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been managing a muscular injury in his back,’ a team statement read.
‘As he continues with treatment this morning, he has chosen to sit out of FP1. Felipe Drugovich will drive in FP1 alongside Lance Stroll.
‘A decision will then be made on Fernando’s participation in FP2 and the remainder of the weekend in due course.’
The announcement came less than three hours before FP1 was due to begin, leaving Alonso’s participation for the race in serious doubt.
The Spaniard, who celebrated his 44th birthday on Wednesday, is the oldest driver on the grid and the most experienced in F1 history with 417 grand prix entries to his name.
This season has been a struggle for the veteran and Aston Martin, with Alonso and Stroll 15th and 13th in the standings ahead of Hungary.
Who is Fernando Alonso’s replacement Felipe Drugovich?
Aston Martin have confirmed that Drugovich will replace Alonso for FP1 and will do so for the rest of the weekend if the Spaniard is not passed fit.
Drugovich has been Aston Martin’s test and reserve driver for the past four seasons and while he has driven in six practice sessions, he is yet to make his full F1 debut.
The 25-year-old won the Formula 2 championship in 2022, beating the likes of Racing Bulls star Liam Lawson and former Williams driver Logan Sargeant.
Since then, the Brazilian has taken part in only a handful of races in endurance series and Formula E.
Drugovich nearly made his F1 debut at the start of 2023 when injuries from a bike accident ruled Stroll out of pre-season testing but the Canadian recovered in time to race at the season opener in Bahrain.
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