Honda discusses 'anomalous vibrations' in Aston Martin engines and says it was 'dangerous' to continue on the track in Bahrain
Honda has raised concerns about anomalous vibrations in Aston Martin's engines, deeming it dangerous for the cars to remain on the track during the Bahrain tests.
Honda, the sole engine supplier for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, has identified issues with its power units that affected the performance of drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll during the pre-season testing in Bahrain. Ikuo Takeishi, head of Honda's racing division, noted that these 'anomalous vibrations' not only hindered the cars' progression but also caused damage to the battery systems. Such technical problems presented significant challenges for the team as they prepare for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.
Takeishi emphasized the seriousness of the situation, revealing that the team decided to stop the cars during the fifth day of testing due to concerns over their safety on the track. While he clarified that an imminent accident was not anticipated, the decision was made to prioritize driver safety, highlighting a cautious approach to handling mechanical issues that could lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed.
As Honda races against time to deliver a competitive power unit for the next race, this incident raises questions about the reliability of their engine systems and the overall impact on the Aston Martin team's performance in the highly competitive Formula 1 season. Addressing these issues promptly will be critical for Aston Martin to compete effectively against rival teams in Australia and beyond.