News Summary
- Fernando Alonso’s hands were visibly shaking while driving at high speed in Baku
- Aston Martin has struggled with vibrations transmitted through its Honda power unit throughout 2026
- A suspected oil leak limited Alonso to nine laps and left him last in Azerbaijan GP FP2
Fernando Alonso was visibly struggling to control his Aston Martin as severe vibrations shook both hands during Azerbaijan GP practice at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday.
Onboard footage showed Alonso gripping the steering wheel while his hands oscillated rapidly as the AMR26 accelerated along one of Baku’s high-speed sections. The Spaniard appeared to adjust his grip in an attempt to manage the movement.
The precise cause of the incident shown in the footage has not been confirmed. However, the visible shaking is consistent with the vibration problems that have affected Aston Martin’s Honda-powered car throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Fernando Alonso struggles with vibrations inside the Aston Martin during Azerbaijan GP practice (Video: F1)
The problem first became a major concern during pre-season testing and the Australian GP weekend. Vibrations generated by the power unit were transmitted through the chassis and into the steering wheel, causing Alonso and Lance Stroll to report numbness and discomfort in their hands.
Aston Martin initially restricted its running because of concerns that prolonged exposure could potentially cause nerve damage. Alonso later withdrew from the Chinese GP after saying the vibrations had become too severe for him to continue safely.
The team has made progress since then, but the footage from Baku suggests that the physical consequences have not been completely eliminated, particularly at a circuit with a full-throttle section measuring approximately 2.2km.
Suspected oil leak compounds Alonso’s difficult day
Alonso’s Thursday deteriorated further during FP2. Formula 1 reported that a suspected oil leak restricted the two-time world champion to only nine laps, the lowest total completed by any driver during the session.
He finished last with a 1:47.889, 4.542s behind George Russell’s leading Mercedes and 0.486s slower than teammate Lance Stroll. Aston Martin occupied the final two positions.
Alonso had already struggled in FP1, finishing 19th with a 1:47.835. Stroll was 21st as both drivers remained more than two seconds away from the benchmark.
The difficulties are particularly damaging because Aston Martin already faces a compromised race. Alonso and Stroll will start the Azerbaijan GP from the back of the grid after exceeding their power-unit allocations.
Baku places heavy demands on the power unit through its long flat-out section, while the narrow corners around the old city require precise throttle response. Honda acknowledged before the weekend that both outright performance and drivability would be important limitations at this circuit.
Aston Martin must now investigate the suspected oil leak and determine whether the vibration seen in Alonso’s cockpit represents a recurrence of its established problem or a separate mechanical issue.
FP3 begins on Friday at 09:30 UK time, followed by qualifying at 13:00. The Azerbaijan GP takes place on Saturday at 12:00.
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F1 today: FAQ
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?
The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.
Why were Fernando Alonso’s hands shaking in Baku?
Aston Martin has suffered severe vibrations transmitted from its Honda power unit through the chassis and steering wheel during 2026. The team has not yet confirmed the precise cause of the shaking seen in Baku.
