F1 Twists in Budapest: Fernando Alonso withdraws….. Read more
Fernando Alonso’s struggles in the 2025 Formula 1 season have taken another unfortunate turn as the Aston Martin driver has been forced to withdraw from Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Hungarian Grand Prix due to a persistent back issue. The Spaniard, who has been dealing with a muscle problem since the Belgian Grand Prix, continues to undergo treatment in hopes of participating in the remainder of the weekend at the Hungaroring.
Aston Martin confirmed the news in an official statement, revealing that Alonso’s condition had not improved sufficiently for him to take part in the opening session of the weekend. As a result, reserve driver Felipe Drugovich was called upon to fill in during FP1, joining Lance Stroll on track for the team.
“In the days following the Belgian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been managing a muscular injury in his back,” the team’s 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 timing couldn’t be worse for the 44-year-old veteran, whose 2025 campaign has been plagued by poor results and a lack of competitiveness. Alonso currently sits 15th in the drivers’ standings—two positions behind his team-mate Lance Stroll—and has failed to secure a finish higher than seventh place so far this season. It’s a sharp decline from the form he showed in 2023 and early 2024, when he regularly competed for podiums and consistently outperformed his machinery.
This latest injury setback adds another layer of frustration to an already difficult season for Alonso. With the summer break just around the corner, the two-time world champion will be hoping to recover fully and return refreshed for the latter part of the year. The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend was seen as a potential opportunity for Alonso to turn the tide and rediscover some confidence, but now his participation in the event remains uncertain.
For Aston Martin, Alonso’s absence in FP1 gives Drugovich a valuable opportunity to gather data and demonstrate his capabilities behind the wheel of the AMR25. The Brazilian reserve driver, who has previously tested for the team, will be looking to make the most of his time on track, though any decisions regarding Alonso’s status for FP2 and beyond will likely hinge on medical evaluations and how well he responds to treatment over the next 24 hours.
Despite his injury, Alonso’s experience and racing intelligence remain vital assets for the team. If he is unable to compete, it would be a significant blow to Aston Martin’s weekend strategy, especially as they continue to search for answers to their ongoing performance issues.
So far in 2025, the British outfit has struggled to match the pace of front-runners like Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. Their lack of competitiveness has left both drivers stuck in the midfield, with no clear solution in sight. Alonso has been vocal about his frustrations, pointing to inconsistencies in the car’s balance and performance as major hurdles.
As fans await an update on Alonso’s condition, all eyes will be on Aston Martin’s decision in the lead-up to FP2. Whether the seasoned driver returns to action this weekend or is forced to sit out entirely, the Hungarian Grand Prix marks another low point in what has been a turbulent year for one of Formula 1’s most accomplished stars.
