Fernando Alonso did not even take to the track in first practice at the Australian Grand Prix as Aston Martin’s torrid start to the 2026 F1 season continued.
Aston team principal Adrian Newey revealed on Thursday that both Alonso, 44, and teammate Lance Stroll, 27, are unable to complete consecutive laps before vibrations from the Honda power unit cause pain in their hands.
Newey added that both drivers were concerned about “permanent nerve damage” if they completed more than 25 consecutive laps, in Alonso’s case, or 15 laps in Stroll’s case.
As a result, Aston look unlikely to finish the season-opening 58-lap race in Melbourne on Sunday - and the team’s issues continued on Friday, with Alonso withdrawn from FP1.
An Aston spokesperson said: “We’ve found a suspected power unit issue which will prevent Fernando Alonso from taking part in FP1.”
Alonso was seen in normal team gear, as opposed to his racing overalls, in the minutes before the session, seemingly aware that he would not be participating in the session.
The start of first practice - the first race-weekend session in the sport’s new era of engine and chassis regulations - was plagued by issues, with British rookie Arvid Lindblad stopping after just two minutes at the pit-exit.
After being wheeled back to the pits, the 18-year-old did manage to get going around halfway through the session.
Elsewhere, Oscar Piastri complained he “had no power”, but the issue with the McLaren driver was fixed rapidly.
However, reigning world champion Lando Norris was ruled out of the session with 20 minutes left due to a gearbox issue, after completing just seven laps.
Ferrari secured a one-two standing in an early practice statement, with Charles Leclerc on top spot by 0.469 seconds to teammate Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the top-three, with Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad completing the top-five. George Russell was seventh-fastest.
Sunday’s race at Albert Park takes place at 4am (GMT); qualifying is at 5am on Saturday.
