FIA urged to investigate Aston Martin after alarming Alonso vibration footage

March 17, 2026 Oliver Obel

Concern is growing around Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula 1 car after new onboard footage from the Chinese Grand Prix appeared to show unusually heavy vibrations from the team’s Honda power unit.

The issue has already disrupted Aston Martin’s early season, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll retiring from the Shanghai race due to problems linked to the new engine package.

During the race broadcast, Alonso was seen briefly lifting his hands from the steering wheel on straights as the car shook violently. After the race, the two-time world champion told reporters he had begun losing sensation in his extremities during the run.

“I was struggling a little bit to feel my hands and my feet,” Alonso said after the race, explaining that the problem became noticeable after around 20 laps before he eventually retired on lap 34.

The severity of the vibration has raised safety concerns within the paddock. Speaking earlier in Melbourne, team principal Adrian Newey warned that prolonged exposure to the issue could risk “permanent nerve damage” to the drivers’ hands.

Fresh attention was drawn to the problem after a comparison video circulated on X showing Alonso’s Aston Martin alongside Carlos Sainz’s Williams at the start of the Chinese Grand Prix.

The clip appears to show Alonso’s car vibrating sharply even while stationary on the grid as the engine is revved. Once the race begins, the movement becomes pronounced enough that the onboard camera shakes heavily, while Sainz’s Williams appears comparatively stable.

The footage quickly spread across social media, where some fans questioned whether the car should be allowed to race until the problem is resolved.

While the video prompted public concern, the issue appears to be linked to Aston Martin’s major technical change for the 2026 season.

https://twitter.com/melihalonso14/status/2033198159430550004

After several years running Mercedes power units dating back to the team’s Racing Point era Aston Martin switched to Honda engines under a new works partnership.

Honda previously powered Red Bull to multiple championships earlier in the decade and the Aston Martin deal marked the manufacturer’s return as a full Formula 1 works engine supplier.

However, Newey revealed that concerns about the project had already emerged late last year. He said he travelled to Tokyo in 2025 alongside team owner Lawrence Stroll and chief strategy officer Andy Cowell after delays began to affect development.

According to Newey, many of Honda’s experienced Formula 1 staff had been reassigned to other projects.

“They didn't bring the experience that they had previously,” Newey said.

Reports have also suggested the vibration could be affecting other components in the car. Motorsport.com reported that the issue may be damaging Aston Martin’s battery systems.

Honda’s trackside general manager Shintaro Orihara denied that the vibration is directly responsible but admitted reliability remains a challenge.

“Reliability is our challenging point to improve,” Orihara told Motorsport.com.

The company says it is continuing to work with Aston Martin to address the problem as the team searches for solutions during the opening phase of the season.

Sources: Motorsport.com, team and driver comments from the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.