F1 driver replaced through injury at Hungarian Grand Prix as official statement released
Aston Martin have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will be replaced for at least FP1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix due to injury.
F1 hits the Hungaroring this weekend as the championship battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris heats up.
However, it is unclear if two-time world champion Alonso will feature at all due to suffering a muscle injury in his back.
Alonso celebrated his 44th birthday this week, with the Spaniard continuing his reign as the grid's oldest and most experienced driver.
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Aston Martin confirmed the news in a statement just hours before the first practice session, with Brazilian driver Felipe Drugovich taking over alongside Lance Stroll.
"In the days following the Belgian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been managing a muscular injury in his back," the statement began.
"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."
With Alonso's participation still unclear, it could be a long awaited debut for Drugovich, who failed to secure a seat in F1 despite winning the 2022 F2 title.
Felipe Drugovich says 'it sucks' being a reserve driver
The Brazilian would have been hoping to follow in the footsteps of former champions Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri who all secured long-term futures in F1.
However, if Alonso does miss the rest of the weekend it would offer a huge opportunity for the 25-year-old to impress, with Cadillac still yet to sign their 2026 drivers.
Speaking via The Race last year, Drugovich opened up on his career since claiming the F2 title.
"Obviously it sucks, but I can't complain," he said.
"There's opportunities - but you need to be in the right place at the right time. So... it's not finished. So we'll see!
"To be fair, nowadays it's so hard to commit to a team and know what's going to happen. Even if you win F2, you're not sure if you're going to be there or not.
"I think you need to look at the team that's going to do you best, and for sure Aston has given me until now all I could ask for, to be fair. There's a lot of testing involved, last year I did a lot of testing, FP1 sessions, just taking me around the races just to learn..."
Tom Jenkins