Fernando Alonso Returns In No Time! Aston Martin Ace Cleared To Race in Hungarian GP

Last Updated:August 02, 2025, 18:41 IST

Fernando Alonso, cleared to race in Hungary after a back injury, skipped the first practice but returned for the second, finishing fifth. Felipe Drugovich filled in for FP1.

Fernando Alonso at FP2 of the Hungarian GP (X)

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has been medically cleared to compete in the Hungarian Grand Prix after a back injury forced him to skip Friday’s first practice session at the Hungaroring.

The two-time Formula 1 world champion had been managing discomfort since the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend, but returned to the cockpit of the AMR25 for Free Practice 2, where he impressively finished fifth fastest, just behind teammate Lance Stroll.

“He chose to sit out the opening practice session to limit his time in the car as he manages a muscular injury in his back," Aston Martin explained on social media.

“Having undergone further treatment this morning and medically cleared by the FIA, Fernando will be back in the AMR25 alongside Lance."

Drugovich Steps In Again — But Still Awaits F1 Race Debut

In Alonso’s absence during FP1, Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich filled in and placed 16th, just 0.3 seconds off Stroll’s pace. The Brazilian, who won the 2022 Formula 2 championship, continues to be a reliable backup option, although he is still waiting for his full F1 race debut.

This is not the first time Drugovich has been on the brink of stepping in for a full Grand Prix. In early 2023, he completed preseason testing in Bahrain after Stroll suffered wrist fractures in a cycling accident, only for the Canadian to recover in time for the opening round.

More recently, Drugovich was on standby for the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix when Stroll required follow-up surgery related to injuries sustained the previous year. Once again, Stroll was ultimately cleared to race.

Despite the missed opportunities, Drugovich remains a valued member of Aston Martin’s driver program — one who continues to stay sharp and ready for his chance.

Alonso’s Resilience: A Career Shaped by Comebacks

At 42, Fernando Alonso’s durability is a thing of wonder. His back issue in Hungary adds to a long list of injuries the Spaniard has sustained — and overcome — across two decades in Formula 1.

In 2003, Alonso suffered heavy bruising in a multi-car crash at the Brazilian Grand Prix, injuring his elbow, thigh, and knee.

In 2015, while testing for McLaren during pre-season, Alonso crashed and suffered temporary memory loss, causing him to miss the season-opener. McLaren insisted no long-term damage was found.

The following year, at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix, Alonso was involved in a terrifying crash with Esteban Gutierrez. His McLaren flipped into the gravel trap, and he emerged with fractured ribs, forcing him to sit out the Bahrain GP.

In 2021, he sustained a jaw fracture in a cycling accident during the offseason, but recovered in time for the season’s start.

And earlier this season, Alonso revealed he was competing with a pinched nerve in his neck following the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, again choosing to fight through the pain.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 02, 2025, 18:41 IST

News sports Fernando Alonso Returns In No Time! Aston Martin Ace Cleared To Race in Hungarian GP

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