The motorsport world held its breath as two-time world champion Fernando Alonso faced an unexpected setback ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, sitting out the crucial first practice session due to a muscular back injury. This development immediately sparked concerns among fans and within the Aston Martin F1 team regarding his participation for the remainder of the race weekend.
In a pre-emptive measure, Aston Martin F1’s reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, stepped into the cockpit for FP1, providing valuable data for the team while allowing Alonso vital time for recovery. The team confirmed that the Spanish driver had been managing a muscular injury in his back since the previous race at Spa-Francorchamps and opted to prioritize treatment and rest.
Initially, a cloud of uncertainty loomed over Alonso’s return, with the team indicating that a final decision would be made “in due course.” However, despite the early morning discomfort, the prevailing sentiment within the Aston Martin F1 garage was optimistic, suggesting it was highly probable the veteran driver would indeed be back behind the wheel.
Indeed, that optimism proved well-founded. Following a period of focused treatment and avoiding the strenuous laps of FP1, Fernando Alonso declared himself fit. He received official medical clearance from the FIA, paving the way for his highly anticipated return to the cockpit for the second practice session of the weekend and subsequent competitive sessions.
Team principal Mike Krack shed light on the strategic decision for Alonso to miss FP1, emphasizing the importance of maximizing recovery time. He noted that even with travel, sufficient recovery is often challenging, making the decision to skip the “least important session” a calculated move to ensure Fernando Alonso’s peak performance for the critical stages of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Krack further elaborated that the primary benefit of Alonso’s absence from FP1 was not merely the additional hours of rest, but rather the reduction in the number of high-intensity laps he would have completed. The Grand Prix itself is a physically demanding endurance test, and minimizing early strain was deemed crucial for the long afternoon of racing.
To further support Fernando Alonso’s comfort and performance despite his recent injury, Aston Martin F1 implemented specific modifications to the car. Krack confirmed that adjustments were made to ensure the driver was as comfortable as possible in his position, with checks performed to optimize the setup for his well-being on track.
Meanwhile, the situation meant that Felipe Drugovich’s long-held aspirations for a competitive Formula 1 debut continued to be deferred. Despite winning the 2022 Formula 2 title and serving as Aston Martin F1’s reserve for two and a half years, the talented Brazilian remains on the sidelines, patiently awaiting his opportunity in the pinnacle of motorsport. This highlights the fierce competition for seats in Formula 1 and the challenges faced by promising young drivers like Felipe Drugovich.
