Newey cautions that vibrations from Aston could pose a risk of injury to drivers.
Adrian Newey has cautioned that Aston Martin's problematic 2026 car could pose a physical risk to its drivers if the team exerts too much pressure during the Australian GP. Arriving in Melbourne alongside Honda (HRC) president Koji Watanabe, Newey confirmed that the vibrations which were previously noted to have harmed the power unit’s battery during testing are also creating potential safety concerns for the drivers.
"Fernando believes he can't complete more than 25 consecutive laps without risking injury to his hands," Newey stated, referring to Fernando Alonso. "Lance feels he can't do more than 15 laps. Therefore, we must be realistic. We will have to limit the number of laps until we can determine the causes of the vibrations and address them at their origin."
This disclosure adds to the worries expressed by Honda last week that the unusual vibrations from the new power unit were damaging the hybrid battery, a situation Honda engineers characterized as "dangerous." Watanabe mentioned that measures taken at the Sakura factory might help diminish the issue but won't entirely eradicate it just yet.
"During the Bahrain tests, we encountered unexpected vibrations that caused battery damage," he said. "We couldn’t complete the planned mileage. Engineers from HRC and Aston Martin are collaborating to find solutions. We believe we have implemented measures for this weekend, but their effectiveness will not be confirmed until we observe them in real track conditions."
Honda reported that the latest modifications have notably lowered vibration levels on the dyno, but the true assessment will occur during the sessions at Albert Park. Despite the ongoing crisis, Newey maintained that the basic design of Aston Martin is promising.
"When I evaluate our package, I don’t think we’ve overlooked anything," he remarked. "I believe the car possesses substantial development potential. We have an ambitious development plan and I'm confident we'll find ourselves at the front at some point in this season."
However, he conceded that Aston Martin will begin the year trailing the frontrunners. "In Melbourne, we’ll be somewhat behind," Newey noted. "I would say we’re the fifth fastest. The chassis likely has Q3 potential. How much behind the leaders? I’m not sure—it could be seven tenths, possibly a second."
Other articles
Alonso maintains that he is able to compete, yet the situation at Aston continues to worsen.
Formula 1 | Fernando Alonso has countered claims that he is unable to race safely this weekend, despite the ongoing crisis concerning Aston Martin's Honda power unit reaching a new (…)
Verstappen dismisses championship discussions as focus changes.
Formula 1 | Max Verstappen states that his life outside of Formula 1 is now more important to him than pursuing additional world championships. The four-time champion is set to begin the 2026 (…)
Berger names Mercedes and McLaren as the frontrunners for 2026.
Formula 1 | Gerhard Berger thinks that Mercedes and McLaren might lead the way in the new Formula 1 era as the significant 2026 regulations overhaul the competitive landscape.
Schumacher states that Germany is no longer prepared for a return to F1.
Formula 1 | Ralf Schumacher states that Germany has significantly lagged as a motorsport nation and may not be prepared even if Formula 1 unexpectedly requires replacement races. (…)
Gasly was taken aback that the 'top 4 are still leading' even after the rule changes.
Formula 1 | Pierre Gasly expresses his astonishment that the traditional leading teams continue to dominate the sport, even with the significant regulations overhaul planned for 2026. Speaking (…)
Verstappen rejects Sainz's request for discussions on regulations.
Formula 1 | Max Verstappen has responded to GPDA director Carlos Sainz's proposal that the leadership of Formula 1 should be contacted regarding the 2026 regulations (…)
Newey cautions that vibrations from Aston could pose a risk of injury to drivers.
Formula 1 | Adrian Newey has cautioned that Aston Martin's problematic car for 2026 may pose a physical risk to its drivers if the team exerts itself too intensely during the Australian GP. (…)