Fernando Alonso health scare forces Chinese GP retirement

Fernando Alonso's early season pain continued in the Chinese Grand Prix after being forced to retire due to discomfort from vibrations. 

The Spaniard brought his Aston Martin into the pit lane to retire on lap 34, marking a double-retirement for the Silverstone-based team. 

Lance Stroll pulled off the circuit at the start of the ninth lap following a suspected battery issue, adding to the pressure on Honda. 

Prior to his retirement at the Shanghai International Circuit, Alonso was well outside the points, with Aston Martin simply needing crucial data. 

Speaking to media following his retirement, the two-time champion revealed it was due to feeling discomfort in his hands caused by the vibrations from the battery. The team later confirmed this.

Ahead of the season-opener in Australia, team principal Adrian Newey revealed the vibrations were putting its drivers at serious risk of permanent nerve damage in their hands. 

Alonso is yet to finish a grand prix in 2026, while Oscar Piastri is yet to start one after being wheeled off the starting grid. 

Both McLarens, Alex Albon and Gabriel Bortoleto all failed to start the race, with both Aston Martins retiring dropping the field to 16 cars.