The FIA could force Honda to turn down their engine in Japan after Fernando Alonso vibration footage

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Martin are inevitably under scrutiny from the FIA after footage emerged of Fernando Alonso taking his hands off the wheel during the Chinese Grand Prix.

Adrian Newey had warned before the start of the season that his drivers risked permanent nerve damage if they completed too many consecutive laps because of the severe vibrations from the Honda power unit. Alonso made it to lap 32 in Shanghai before retiring.

The Spaniard was losing his feel in his hands and feet before he returned to the garage. On multiple occasions during the race, he could be seen letting go of the wheel on a straight to give himself a momentary break, clearly raising safety concerns.

FIA inspecting Aston Martin telemetry after seeing Fernando Alonso vibrations

After being alerted to the situation, the FIA are ‘closely scrutinising’ the telemetry data from Alonso and Lance Stroll, according to FormulaTecnica. They have a ‘duty to intervene’ if the problem goes beyond reliability and endangers ‘physical safety’.

Honda could be ‘forced’ to limit their engine mappings at the Japanese Grand Prix later this month, or even stop entirely, if they can’t ‘fix the anomaly’. That would be a major embarrassment on home soil.

When do you think Aston Martin will complete their first Grand Prix this season?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

There was a rumour earlier this month that Newey wanted to skip ‘a few’ races so that Aston Martin could build a car that was genuinely race-ready, but, aware of their contractual obligations, they have made no such request.

After the race at Suzuka, there is a month-long break in the calendar owing to the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. A major leap will be expected from Aston Martin in particular when the cars return to the track in Miami.

Aston Martin won’t sack Adrian Newey – but they may change his job

One journalist has already claimed that Lawrence Stroll is looking to replace Newey as team boss, just two races into the season. If the Honda engine is holding Aston Martin back, it’s difficult to see how this would immediately improve performance.

There is a school of thought that Aston Martin’s car will be competitive once it can run smoothly. Estimated timelines range from a few months to multiple years.

Still, David Croft is concerned that Aston Martin are ‘overloading’ Newey. As team boss, he has multiple unfamiliar responsibilities beyond his area of expertise, car design.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Stroll restructured the team before the year is out, bringing in a day-to-day leader. Given that Newey was involved in a power struggle with Andy Cowell last year, he would have to give his approval to any new appointment.