Fernando Alonso’s Hungarian Grand Prix is in doubt after Aston Martin announced he would sit out FP1 due to a back problem.
The first practice session at the Hungaroring took place on Friday afternoon and Alonso sat it out.
Reserve driver Felipe Drugovich stepped in alongside team-mate Lance Stroll as the race weekend began.
A team statement 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.
‘Drugovich will drive in FP1 alongside Stroll, and a decision will then be made on Fernando’s participation in FP2 and the remainder of the weekend in due course.’
Fernando Alonso’s Hungarian Grand Prix is in doubt after Aston Martin released a statement
Felipe Drugovich will step in alongside team-mate Lance Stroll for the first practice session
Alonso sits 15th in the Drivers’ Championship with 16 points from the opening 13 races.
Aston Martin are currently eighth in the Constructors’ standings with seven points separating them from sixth-placed Kick Sauber.
Hungary marks the last race before F1’s summer break across most of August.
Oscar Piastri won the Belgian Grand Prix last week, putting himself 16 points ahead of Lando Norris in the standings.