Fernando Alonso withdraws from Hungarian GP session as Aston Martin release statement

Fernando Alonso did not take part in FP1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix after undergoing treatment for a 'muscular injury in his back'. The veteran Spaniard was replaced by Felipe Drugovich, who got behind the wheel in first practice for the second time this season.

Aston Martin released a statement on Friday ahead of the opening practice session. It read: "In the days following the Belgian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been managing a muscular injury in his back. 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."

Drugovich has been waiting patiently for an opportunity in F1 in the hope that a one-off appearance could lead to a full-time seat outside of the stable Aston Martin driver line-up. This route earned Nyck de Vries and Liam Lawson opportunities on the grid in recent times.

The 2022 Formula Two champion has already made six FP1 appearances for Aston Martin and came close to being called in to replace Lance Stroll on a couple of occasions, but Drugovich's wait for an F1 start goes on for now.

Drugovich is also one of the names in contention for a seat with the new Cadillac team. F1's 11th squad are expected to confirm the arrival of Valtteri Bottas soon, but the battle for the second half of the garage remains an open fight.

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Sergio Perez has been heavily linked with the team and looked like an early frontrunner, but with Cadillac reportedly keen to pair an experienced head with a young prospect, the Mexican's chances of scoring a return to the grid have seemingly been dashed by advancing talks with Bottas.

After FP1, Aston Martin confirmed that Alonso was fit enough to complete the rest of the weekend. "Fernando will be back in the AMR25 for FP2 this afternoon," the team explained. "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.

"Having undergone further treatment this morning and medically cleared by the FIA, Fernando will be back in the AMR25 alongside Lance. Felipe Drugovich delivered a busy FP1 programme with Lance earlier today, collecting important data as the team continues to evaluate recent car updates."