Aston Martin plans to limit how many laps its drivers can complete at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix because of severe vibrations from its new Honda power unit that could harm the drivers’ hands.
Team principal Adrian Newey said the intense vibration through the car’s chassis is so strong that drivers risk permanent nerve damage if they drive too long without a fix.
Fernando Alonso reportedly feels he can’t safely do more than about 25 consecutive laps, and teammate Lance Stroll even fewer, before risking injury.
The vibration issues stem from the power unit and its transmission into the car’s structure, also causing minor reliability problems.
Despite efforts to reduce vibration impacts, there is no clear timeline for a full solution, forcing limited race running until the problem is resolved.