Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey and Honda boss Koji Watanabe gave a striking press conference in Melbourne on Thursday. On the eve of the Australian GP, both confirmed the problems with the AMR26, and the Honda engine in particular. It is still unclear to what extent the team can participate in the race on Sunday; Fernando Alonso would reportedly not get further than 25 laps with the current ‘vibrations’ in the chassis. The Spaniard explained his feelings to the media.
Read more ‘Risk of nerve damage for Alonso and Stroll after 15 to 25 laps in Aston Martin car’
Asked about Newey’s comments, Alonso said: “We feel the vibrations through our whole body. Because of the frequency, your hands and feet almost become paralyzed. I wouldn’t say it’s painful. The adrenaline overrides any pain at such a moment. If I could fight for the win, I would last three hours in this car,” he added defiantly. “But we don’t know what the consequences are if you keep driving this way for months. There must be a solution.”
‘I don’t have that much time left’
“It is a challenge, but in Sakura (Honda’s development base, ed.) they are working day and night on a solution,” he continued. “Since the last test days in Bahrain, several tests have already been carried out.” Alonso says he trusts ‘one hundred percent’ that Honda, whose new power unit seems to be at the root of most problems, will get the situation under control. “But that takes time,” he acknowledged. “And I don’t have that much time left at this point in my career. I don’t have a crystal ball, but hopefully we will see improvement in the short term. That will ultimately also influence my decision about the future.”
Read more Cheerful Verstappen in Melbourne proud of Red Bull: ‘We are doing the right things’
In the past, Alonso has experienced challenging periods more often. His move to Ferrari did not yield the hoped-for titles, and his second period at McLaren was also marked by a flawed Honda engine. Yet the Spanish veteran does not think this is likely to be his toughest season ever. “Minardi was challenging, as was my first year at Renault,” he noted. “At that time, I even doubted whether I was suitable for Formula 1. I can use that experience now to help the team move forward. I am sure that Aston Martin is capable of winning titles,” he concluded. “It’s a matter of time. The only question is whether I will still be behind the wheel then, or holding another position.”
Read more Sainz already picks his two title candidates: ‘Russell or Verstappen’
Read everything about the Australian GP here
