The severity of the vibration problem caused by Aston Martin's Honda engine has been exposed by Fernando Alonso's retirement from the Chinese Grand Prix. The Spaniard reported losing feeling in his hands and feet after 32 laps, prompting fears of permanent nerve damage among team officials.
Team principal Adrian Newey admitted the vibration issue was so severe that drivers risked lasting injury. Onboard footage showed Alonso removing his hands from the steering wheel on the straights at Shanghai International Circuit due to the discomfort. Lance Stroll, Alonso's teammate, retired after just 10 laps with a battery problem, an ongoing issue with the hybrid engine.
Alonso described the physical toll: “On lap 20 to 35 I was struggling a bit to feel my hands and my feet. We were one lap behind, we were last, and there was probably no point to keep going.” Stroll was dismissive of their chances at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, urging the team to “pray” for improvement.
The problems stem from a late start to pre-season testing, with the engine vibration curtailing running. In Australia, battery failures left the team down to their last units. Honda's general manager, Shintaro Orihara, took solace in completing more laps in China than in Melbourne, but acknowledged the challenges ahead.
The next race in Japan, Honda's home event, is expected to be difficult. However, the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi grands prix provides a five-week gap before the Miami round, offering engineers at Honda's Sakura facility more time to address the vibration issue.
