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Formula 1 live: Felipe Drugovich replaces Alonso in Hungary FP1 due to back injury

Por Thiago Lemos

Publicado em 1 de agosto de 2025

Felipe Drugovich - Foto: X.com/ Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team

Aston Martin announced on the morning of August 1, 2025, that Fernando Alonso, two-time Formula 1 world champion, will miss the first free practice (FP1) of the Hungarian GP at the Hungaroring circuit due to a back muscle injury sustained after the Belgian GP. Brazilian reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will take over the AMR25 alongside Lance Stroll. The meta description highlights: Alonso, with back pain, hands FP1 to Drugovich in Hungary, with weekend participation uncertain. The team stated that a decision on Alonso’s participation in the second free practice (FP2), scheduled for 12 PM (Brasília time), and the rest of the weekend will be made after medical evaluations. The injury reflects the challenges of F1’s grueling schedule, which limits drivers’ recovery time. Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, gets a chance to showcase his potential at a critical moment for the team.

Alonso’s absence from FP1 was a strategic move to maximize his recovery, with seat adjustments made to ease discomfort. Team principal Mike Krack noted that FP1 is the least critical session, allowing Alonso to focus on treatment. The team hopes Alonso can return for FP2, but the possibility of Drugovich continuing through the weekend keeps the spotlight on the Brazilian.

Back muscle injury affects Alonso post-Belgium.
Drugovich to drive the AMR25 in FP1 with Stroll.
Alonso’s status will be decided before FP2.
Cockpit adjustments aim to improve driver comfort.

Alonso’s injury and weekend impact

Fernando Alonso’s back muscle injury emerged after the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, where he finished 17th. According to Mike Krack, F1’s tight schedule, with back-to-back races and constant travel, hinders recovery. “Sometimes, there’s not even enough time to sleep,” Krack said. At 44, Alonso has faced other physical issues in 2025, including a neck injury during the Chinese GP, which required a brace and led to a retirement due to mechanical failure.

The team chose to rest Alonso in FP1 to prioritize his preparation for more critical sessions like FP2 and qualifying. Adjustments to the AMR25’s seat were made to reduce strain on the affected area, and Aston Martin is monitoring Alonso’s condition with medical tests throughout the day. The Hungarian GP’s 70-lap duration on a demanding track will pose an additional challenge if Alonso returns.

Back injury developed after Belgian GP.
Alonso dealt with neck injury in China 2025.
Seat adjustments aim to reduce discomfort.
Hungaroring demands endurance with 70 laps.

Getting prepped. #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/3f5AibLjnU
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 1, 2025

Felipe Drugovich’s rise at Aston Martin

Felipe Drugovich, 25, has been Aston Martin’s reserve driver since 2022, when he dominated Formula 2, winning five races. In Hungary’s FP1, he takes Alonso’s place for the second time in 2025, having substituted in Bahrain. Krack praised Drugovich’s reliability, noting he will follow Alonso’s planned test program, delivering valuable data.

Drugovich has logged over 10,000 kilometers in Aston Martin tests, including simulator sessions and free practices. His physical similarity to Alonso and Stroll simplifies cockpit adjustments, and the team has a streamlined process for driver swaps. Alonso, speaking on Thursday, called Drugovich “incredibly talented” and deserving of a full-time F1 seat. A strong showing at Hungaroring could boost Drugovich’s prospects, especially with rumors of interest from Cadillac for 2026.

Physical challenges in the team’s history

Aston Martin has faced physical setbacks with its drivers in 2025. Lance Stroll missed the Spanish GP in June due to a recurring wrist injury from a 2023 cycling accident that required surgery. The team couldn’t replace him in time, as the withdrawal came after qualifying. Drugovich, committed to the World Endurance Championship, was unavailable.

Alonso has a history of racing through pain. In the 2024 Brazilian GP, he competed with severe back pain from car porpoising but finished the race. In March 2025, a neck injury forced him to use a brace in China, where he retired due to a brake fire. These incidents highlight Alonso’s resilience but underscore the physical toll of a 24-race F1 season.

Stroll missed Spanish GP due to wrist injury.
Alonso raced with back pain in Brazil 2024.
Neck injury impacted Alonso in China.
F1’s 24-race calendar heightens injury risks.

Aston Martin’s Hungaroring preparations

The Hungarian GP is the final race before the summer break, and Aston Martin aims to rebound after a disappointing Belgian GP, with Alonso in 17th and Stroll in 14th. Hungaroring’s slow corners and high aerodynamic demands suit the AMR25, which will run a Monaco-style high-downforce setup. Alonso’s FP1 absence may limit early data collection, but Drugovich is trusted to execute the test program.

Krack emphasized that driver swaps are straightforward, requiring minimal car adjustments. The focus is ensuring Alonso is fit for qualifying and the race, but if he can’t compete, Drugovich is the likely replacement. Aston Martin sits eighth in the Constructors’ Championship, one point ahead of Haas, and needs a strong result to gain ground.

Hungaroring favors high-downforce cars.
Aston Martin adopts Monaco-like setup.
Team ranks eighth in Constructors’ Championship.
Drugovich ready to race if Alonso can’t recover.

Hungarian GP expectations

Hungaroring holds special significance for Alonso, who won his first F1 race there in 2003 with Renault. Drugovich’s potential to race the full GP sparks interest in the Brazilian, who seeks his official F1 debut. Aston Martin will closely monitor Alonso, with updates expected before FP2. A solid weekend is vital for the team, which faces pressure to improve its championship standing before the summer break.

Drugovich has a chance to shine on a challenging track. His test and practice experience, backed by Alonso’s endorsement, positions him as a future prospect. The Hungarian GP, the 14th round of the 2025 season, will be pivotal for Aston Martin and both drivers’ ambitions.