It was supposed to be just another race weekend. Instead, the Chinese Grand Prix turned into a serious concern for Fernando Alonso and the Aston Martin F1 Team.
The two-time world champion was forced to take unusual steps mid-race after his car began causing physical discomfort. This is something no driver expects at this level of motorsport.
It was a tough outing overall for Aston Martin. Both drivers failed to finish the race, marking a double DNF.
Lance Stroll was the first to retire, pulling out after just nine laps due to battery issues. But things didn’t get any better on the other side of the garage.
Fernando Alonso managed to stay out longer, completing 32 laps. However, what unfolded during those laps raised serious safety concerns.
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What Happened During The Race?
During the race, onboard footage showed Fernando Alonso doing something highly unusual. He briefly lifted his hands off the steering wheel while driving down the main street.
In Formula 1, where control and precision are everything, that’s not normal.
But this was not a mistake. It was a reaction.
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The car’s intense vibrations had become so uncomfortable that Fernando had to momentarily relieve the pressure on his hands. It was a clear sign that something wasn’t right inside the cockpit.
Fernando Alonso on the situation
After the race, Alonso didn’t hold back while explaining what he experienced.
He revealed that “It was difficult, today we found more vibrations than any other session of the weekend. Physically, I could not continue much longer; I started losing the feeling in my hands and my feet. So it was not a nice feeling.”
So, Fernando Alonso brought the car back to the garage, prioritising safety over finishing the race.
When asked about his next plan, he said, “Training. Get fit. Get ready. Do my homework and be ready for Japan.”
More Complaints From F1 Cars
This is not the only case or an isolated complaint. The AMR26 has been struggling with vibration-related issues, something that has already been flagged within the team.
In fact, Lance Stroll had previously compared the sensation to being “electrocuted,” highlighting just how severe the problem might be.
The issue is believed to be linked to the power unit, and engineers are now under pressure to fix it quickly.
With the next race set to take place in Suzuka, the team doesn’t have much time. So, the focus is to solve the vibration problem and ensure both drivers can complete a full race safely.
Also Read: Formula 1 Halts Rule Change Plans Following Chinese Grand Prix
