FIA to look into Alonso's steering wheel situation.

      "It wasn't securely attached to the column."

      The FIA has initiated an investigation into the incident where Fernando Alonso's steering wheel came off during practice in Bahrain. "I've never witnessed anything like it," remarked Luca di Montezemolo, the former president of Ferrari, whose involvement in Formula 1 stretches back to the early 70s, while speaking to Sky Italia in Bahrain.

      Video and radio recordings show the Aston Martin driver struggling with a malfunctioning steering wheel display before the entire wheel disconnected from the car. "It wasn’t fitting properly on the column," Alonso later stated. "The mechanics swiftly replaced the parts, and I was able to race again."

      This incident highlights a particularly challenging phase for the Silverstone-based team, which has experienced a significant decline since early 2023. "It could be a lengthy season," said the 43-year-old, who will have the opportunity to race the first Aston Martin designed by Adrian Newey next year.

      Spanish commentator Antonio Lobato remarked that the steering wheel episode epitomizes the current state of the team. "Brutal," he said on DAZN. "A skinny dog is all fleas."

      Due to the gravity of a steering wheel detaching at high speeds, the FIA has requested a comprehensive report from Aston Martin engineers regarding the event, as reported by Sky Italia. "A sanction cannot be excluded," the broadcaster noted, "whether it stems from a technical issue, which would be quite serious, or simply an attempt by Alonso to reset."