Alonso onboard video in Japan reveals dangerous Aston Martin vibrations: it shakes even when stationary
During the free practice session in Japan, the Asturian driver tested a start from the main straight, and the onboard camera of the AMR26 confirmed the critical situation of the car.
No, this is not a sudden earthquake. Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin is not vibrating because of a natural disaster. It is what happens when the Spanish driver fires up the engine and prepares to head out for free practice at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. The footage captured by the onboard camera, while the car is still stationary, is astonishing. Everything is shaking. And the team has still not managed to find a solution to these abnormal, uncomfortable, and dangerous vibrations, which in China even forced the Asturian driver to take his hands off the steering wheel while traveling at 300 km/h. He had to do it to avoid losing feeling in his hands. And the same situation now appears set to repeat itself in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The AMR26 vibrations before the start
During the free practice session, Fernando Alonso tested a start from the main straight, and it was precisely in that moment that the AMR26’s onboard camera confirmed the critical condition of both cars. The intense shaking is noticeable even when stationary, as clearly shown by the visibly trembling onboard footage.
Honda, whose power unit does not seem to integrate well with the car’s chassis, had promised to resolve the issue for this round of the championship. However, after what was seen during the first day of free practice, it is clear that nothing has changed. In fact, the situation appears to have worsened compared to the previous race: at one point, retirement became the only option. “I don’t think I could have finished the race under any circumstances – Fernando Alonso said after the previous Grand Prix. The engine vibrations were high and excessive, from lap 20 onwards I could no longer feel my feet and hands.” Once lapped and with the safety car on track, it made no sense to take further risks, which is why he retired in China.
What could happen in the Japanese Grand Prix
The declared objective for Aston Martin is simply to finish the race. That alone would already represent a “great result” compared to the looming scenario: with such extreme vibrations, drivers may not be able to continue beyond half distance, and for safety reasons, the pit wall could be forced to order a retirement. That is, unless Honda can find a “magic” solution to escape this deeply concerning and embarrassing situation.
The vibrations in the Aston Martin make absolutely no sensepic.twitter.com/hVj4YJf4mQ
— Holiness (@F1BigData) March 27, 2026
Leave a Reply