Alonso in doubt for Hungarian GP as he misses 1st practice with injury

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Fernando Alonso missed the first practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday because of a back injury and is in doubt for the race itself.

Aston Martin said in a post on X that the two-time Formula 1 champion “has been managing a muscular injury in his back” since last week's Belgian Grand Prix.

Alonso was replaced by reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who was 16th fastest in the first practice session, just over .3 of a second slower than teammate Lance Stroll.

The team said Alonso was continuing treatment before it decides if he's fit to take part in the rest of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

“A decision will then be made on Fernando’s participation in (second practice) and the remainder of the weekend in due course,” Aston Martin said.

Brazilian driver Drugovich is in his fourth season as an Aston Martin reserve but has yet to race in F1. He was the 2022 Formula 2 champion.