Hands-free: Are Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll at risk in vibrating Aston Martin?

The problems of Aston Martin and Honda are significant at the start of this new F1 season.

The Japanese manufacturer's engine has encountered major issues, especially with the battery. So far, Aston Martin is the only team yet to have a car see the chequered flag following the opening two grands prix in Australia and China.

At the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday, Lance Stroll retired after just nine laps with a battery-related issue. Fernando Alonso managed to reach lap 32 of 56 before he decided to call it a day with an even more alarming concern.

During the race, onboard footage had appeared showing Alonso taking his hands off the steering wheel on the straights. When he eventually stopped, the reason emerged that he had lost feeling in his hands and feet because of the considerable vibrations from the Honda power unit.

In the build-up to the season-opening race in Australia, Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey had highlighted that his drivers could suffer permanent nerve damage if the problem was not rectified.

After what happened to Alonso in China, it raises the question whether the veteran Spaniard and team-mate Stroll are safe to drive the AMR26 in the upcoming Japanese GP? Is their health now being put too much at risk? 

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What are the FIA's thoughts?

RacingNews365 understands that Alonso's retirement was more of a precautionary measure. Naturally, he was uncomfortable in the car, but there was no question of his sustaining potential damage.

At that stage in the race, Alonso was a long way adrift. He would have continued if in contention for a win or podium finish, for example.

Heading into the race on Honda's home soil of Suzuka, though, the question arises whether the FIA has concerns over the safety of the Aston Martin.

Following an enquiry from RacingNews365, the governing body has confirmed that, in principle, the teams are responsible for the safety of their drivers and team personnel. In the case of Alonso in China, Aston Martin intervened in time, ending the matter.

For now, the responsibility for solutions lies with Honda. It must find a way to reduce the vibrations. Despite claiming it has applied counter-measures, it is clear the problems remain immense, which has made for a painful start to the season.

Ordinarily, for Honda, its home race has been a cause for celebration, resulting in special initiatives, such as unique liveries.

Paddock sources have indicated, however, that Honda is foregoing such gestures on this occasion as it has other priorities.

Additionally, RacingNews365 can confirm that high-level discussions are taking place at Honda's headquarters in Sakura between its senior executives and those from Aston Martin.

Whilst the Japanese GP may be another weekend of struggle for Aston Martin and Honda, you can imagine demands will be made by the former of the latter to ensure a cure is in place for the race that follows in Miami at the start of May.

Aston Martin, you feel, is one team highly delighted that there is no racing for five weeks following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs.

Hopefully, the sight of Alonso taking his hands off the wheel at high speed will never be seen again.