Alonso Plays Down Back Injury Concerns: “It Won’t Affect the Race Weekend”

Aston Martin Star Sits Out FP1 as Drugovich Steps In, but Eyes Full Participation in Qualifying and Race

Fernando Alonso has moved to reassure fans and the paddock that a minor back injury will not derail his race weekend, despite missing Friday’s first practice session. Aston Martin confirmed in the morning that reserve driver Felipe Drugovich would take the wheel for FP1, with Alonso choosing to manage a muscle strain sustained during the Belgian Grand Prix.

The 42-year-old underwent an MRI scan earlier this week, which revealed a small issue in the muscles of his lower back. While it’s the kind of injury that would sideline most people from physical activity for a fortnight, Alonso insists the situation is under control.

“If you were a normal person, you would sit down and rest for two weeks, but this is a manageable situation,” the two-time world champion explained. “The most important thing is that I do not feel any pain in the car.”

Drugovich Steps Up, Alonso Watches On

With Alonso resting during FP1, Brazilian reserve driver Felipe Drugovich had a rare chance to get behind the wheel of the AMR24. It was an important opportunity for the reigning Formula 2 champion to gain valuable track time and provide the team with additional feedback.

Once Alonso returned for FP2, he quickly settled in, showing he was more than ready to race. Lance Stroll posted the fourth-fastest time in the second session, with Alonso close behind in fifth. But the Spaniard was quick to downplay the significance of those results.

“The second practice session was good, but the car is still not as balanced as I would like,” he said. “There is a slight understeer in the middle corners, and we are having trouble turning the car at low speeds.”

Chasing Balance Before Qualifying

Fernando Alonso lifts lid on back injury ‘pain’ after medical ‘check’ completed

Alonso described the current handling of the AMR24 as “normal for the first session of the weekend,” noting that the team still has plenty of data to analyse overnight. “We will look at the information from some of the tests we carried out and try to put the fastest car forward for tomorrow,” he added.

Aston Martin are continuing to refine their set-up in search of a better balance, particularly in slow- and medium-speed corners where the car still feels heavy on turn-in. The team’s engineering group will now work through different mechanical and aerodynamic tweaks to dial out the understeer and improve rotation.

New Front Wing Package Under Review

This weekend marks the second outing for Aston Martin’s new front wing package, first introduced at Spa. The design aims to improve front-end grip and aerodynamic efficiency, but Alonso revealed that the team is still fine-tuning how it integrates with the rest of the car.

“Critical adjustments will be made on Saturday to assess the effectiveness of these changes,” he confirmed. “It’s not just about putting new parts on the car; it’s about making sure the whole package works together.”

Aston Martin’s engineers will pay close attention to Saturday’s running, looking at how the new front wing affects balance, tyre wear, and stability under braking. If the results are positive, it could give Alonso and Stroll a valuable boost heading into qualifying.

Managing the Injury While Staying Sharp

While Alonso has shrugged off concerns about his fitness, the decision to sit out FP1 shows a calculated approach. By conserving energy early in the weekend, he ensures he’ll be at full capacity when it matters most—during qualifying and the race.

The Spaniard is known for his relentless preparation and resilience, and this latest setback seems unlikely to faze him. “I’ve been in this sport long enough to know when to push and when to hold back,” he said with a grin. “Missing one session is not the end of the world—what counts is Sunday.”

The Bigger Picture for Aston Martin

Aston Martin have endured a mixed season, starting strongly before slipping behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari in the development race. However, recent upgrades and a focus on improving qualifying pace have shown signs of progress.

With both drivers in the top five in FP2, there’s quiet optimism in the garage that they can be competitive this weekend. A strong qualifying could put Alonso in a position to fight for a podium—a result that would further cement Aston Martin’s upward trajectory.

Looking Ahead to Saturday and Sunday

The next challenge will be ensuring that Alonso’s back holds up under the physical demands of qualifying and the race. Street circuits and bumpy tracks are often hardest on a driver’s body, but the smooth layout here should reduce strain.

If Aston Martin can solve their low-speed balance issues and get the new front wing working optimally, Alonso could be in for a strong weekend. As ever, his experience and racecraft will be key weapons—particularly if Sunday’s race throws up strategic surprises.

Final Word

Fernando Alonso may have missed the opening practice session, but his message is clear: the back injury is manageable, and his focus remains on delivering results for Aston Martin. With car balance to improve and a new aerodynamic package still under evaluation, there’s work to be done before qualifying.

Still, if there’s one driver who thrives on overcoming setbacks, it’s Alonso. “It won’t affect the race weekend,” he insisted—and given his track record, few would bet against him making good on that promise.