Aston Martin has announced that Fernando Alonso will delay his arrival at Suzuka due to personal reasons. The two-time Formula 1 world champion is awaiting the birth of his first child with partner Melissa Jiménez. As a result, Alonso will miss the pre-race press conferences and the first free practice session in Japan.
Replacement for Alonso at Suzuka
In Alonso’s absence, Jak Crawford will take over his seat during the first free practice (FP1). Crawford is scheduled to participate in one of the season’s four mandatory rookie sessions. Alonso will join the team on Friday, just in time for the second free practice (FP2) where he will pilot the AMR26.
Challenges with the Aston Martin AMR26
There is significant anticipation regarding the performance of Honda engines in the Aston Martin AMR26. Drivers Alonso and Lance Stroll have expressed concerns about engine vibrations. Stroll described the vehicle as “one of the worst” he has ever driven, while Alonso noted a loss of feeling in his hands and feet due to the vibrations experienced during the Chinese Grand Prix.
Honda’s Response to Performance Issues
In response to these issues, Honda has acknowledged the need for improvements. Shintaro Orihara, Honda’s chief engineer, stated:
- Efforts are focused on enhancing reliability.
- Finding solutions for vibration causes is a priority.
- Currently, the team is not at their desired performance level for the upcoming race.
Honda is committed to addressing these challenges to support the drivers at the Suzuka Grand Prix, an event significant for its home contributions to the sport.
