Drivers of the Formula 1 team Aston Martin are facing significant risks of serious nerve damage due to technical issues with their Honda engine, according to team principal Adrian Newey. The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to begin this weekend in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix, but Aston Martin has been struggling with poor pre-season results, largely attributed to problems with their engine's power and competitiveness.

The Honda engine has been found to be underpowered and not competitive, which is a major concern for the team as they prepare for the upcoming races. Beyond the lack of power, Newey highlighted that the engine produces excessive vibrations, which pose a serious threat to the health of the drivers. These vibrations have been reported to be so severe that they can cause components such as mirrors and rear lights to fall off the vehicle during a race.

Aston Martin's drivers for this season are Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, with Alonso expressing worries about the impact of the vibrations on his ability to race safely. Newey indicated that Alonso feels he cannot drive for more than 25 consecutive laps without risking permanent nerve damage, which raises questions about the team's ability to perform effectively in the championship without addressing these critical technical challenges.