Fernando Alonso Doubtful for Hungarian GP After Missing Practice Because of Injury

Post by : Priya

  Photo:AP

Fernando Alonso’s participation in the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix is uncertain due to a muscular back injury that has forced him to miss the first practice session of the race weekend. The Aston Martin team confirmed that Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion, has been managing this injury since the Belgian Grand Prix and is undergoing treatment while his race status remains under evaluation.

In the initial session on Friday, Aston Martin deployed their reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, the reigning 2022 Formula 2 champion and a talented Brazilian driver, to drive Alonso’s car. Drugovich has acted as the team’s reserve since 2022 but has yet to make his full Formula 1 race debut. This practice run marks his second time substituting for Alonso this year, the first being at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Alonso, who celebrated his 44th birthday recently, has had a challenging season with physical setbacks, including a previously reported pinched nerve that affected his neck earlier in the year. His experience and skill make him a key asset to Aston Martin, currently fighting for position in the highly competitive 2025 Formula 1 World Championship.

Missing the first practice session is significant because practice is essential for drivers to familiarize themselves with track conditions, calibrate their cars, and build confidence ahead of qualifying and the race. Without this, Alonso faces added pressure to prove his fitness and readiness to compete at the demanding Hungaroring circuit.

Aston Martin has stated that a decision on Alonso’s participation in the second practice session, qualifying, and the race itself will be made as treatment progresses and his condition is reassessed. The team’s medical staff is closely monitoring his recovery, aiming to have their lead driver back on track if possible.

The Hungarian Grand Prix is a particularly important race on the Formula 1 calendar, known for its tight and twisty circuit that rewards precision driving and strategic prowess. Alonso has a history of strong performances here, having recorded his first Grand Prix win at this venue with Renault back in 2003. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the team’s ambitions and a disappointment to his extensive fan base worldwide.

Felipe Drugovich’s role is now crucial, as the team relies on his ability to gather data and represent Aston Martin during Alonso’s absence. Team principal and peers have stated their confidence in Drugovich’s talent and potential to step up when called upon.

Aston Martin currently stands eighth in the 2025 constructors’ championship, leading narrowly over Haas. Every race point is vital, and Alonso’s presence on the grid can make a decisive difference.

As the race weekend unfolds, fans and Formula 1 followers will keenly watch for updates on Alonso’s health. His determination and resilience have marked his career, but the physical demands of Formula 1 racing require full fitness to compete at the highest level.

The coming days will be critical in deciding whether Alonso can return to the cockpit for qualifying and the race itself. Until then, the spotlight is on Aston Martin’s recovery efforts, Drugovich’s performances, and the unfolding drama of the Hungarian Grand Prix.