Fernando Alonso battles severe Aston Martin vibrations at Japanese GP
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso continues to battle severe cockpit vibrations at the Japanese Grand Prix, extending a torrid start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Silverstone-based outfit have struggled immensely with their new AMR26 challenger since the opening race in Australia.
Recent onboard footage from practice sessions indicates the car remains incredibly difficult and physically taxing to handle.
Physical toll and injury fears
Team principal Adrian Newey previously warned that the violent shaking could cause permanent nerve damage to the drivers’ hands.
The veteran Spaniard reportedly felt he could not safely complete more than 25 consecutive laps under such brutal conditions.
His Canadian team-mate, Lance Stroll, faced an even lower threshold of just 15 laps before the discomfort became overwhelming.
Consequently, neither man managed to complete the full 58-lap race distance during the season opener in Melbourne.
Desperate measures in China
Similar reliability and handling issues plagued the British constructor during the subsequent race in Shanghai.
Footage from Alonso’s onboard camera showed the 44-year-old taking his hands off the steering wheel on straight sections simply to find temporary physical relief.
“From lap 20 to 35, I was struggling a little bit to feel my hands and my feet.”
The two-time world champion explained to the media that the shaking was worse than in any previous session.
“We were one lap behind, we were last, and there was probably no point to keep going.”
No quick fix for Honda
Aston Martin and engine supplier Honda have clearly failed to identify the root cause of the problem during the two-week break before Japan.
Fresh footage circulating online from practice starts confirms the violent shuddering remains a significant hurdle.
The ongoing crisis leaves the ambitious racing team facing the grim prospect of another heavily compromised Grand Prix weekend.
