In the run-up to the season opener in Australia, there was already plenty of speculation that Aston Martin might not be able to participate due to problems with the new Honda engine. Adrian Newey confirmed on Thursday in Melbourne that driver Fernando Alonso would only be able to last a maximum of 25 laps due to the ‘vibrations’ in the AMR26. Teammate Lance Stroll further explained the feeling in the Aston Martin car: “Like being electrocuted.”
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Television media asked Stroll about Newey’s statements, who had announced during a press moment that the vibrations in the chassis could potentially lead to ‘nerve damage’ for the drivers. Alonso, in turn, stated that his hands and feet felt ‘a bit paralyzed’ after 25 laps. “What I feel? A lot of vibrations,” Stroll said with a wry smile. “It feels like you’re being electrocuted.”
‘Car fell apart in Bahrain’
During the recent testing weeks in Bahrain, the problems already led to distressing scenes. For instance, Stroll had to cut his program short on the final day after just six laps. “In Bahrain, we didn’t just suffer from physical limitations, the car literally fell apart,” he pointed out. “The vibrations are harmful to all components of the car, including the driver. If it doesn’t improve here in Melbourne, it will be difficult to complete enough laps.”
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Like Alonso, however, Stroll maintains confidence in Newey and the Honda engineers. “I am sure we can become competitive. But whether that is next week in China, halfway through the season in Hungary, or only at the end of the year in Abu Dhabi, I dare not say.” He concluded soberly: “That’s the life of a Formula 1 driver. One season you get a magical car, the other season it’s just shit.” With a wink to his teammate, he added: “Alonso has been in these kinds of situations more often, so that helps the team. He is enormously passionate; if he is not happy with the car, everyone knows immediately.”
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