Fernando Alonso is reportedly dealing with pain severe enough that medical intervention could be needed, according to a Spanish journalist. Aston Martin have already admitted that vibrations from Honda’s engine are creating health concerns.
Before the Australian Grand Prix, technical director Dan Fallows warned that drivers risked permanent nerve damage in their thumbs if they completed more than 25 laps. While Alonso did only 21 laps during Sunday’s race, Stroll managed 43, which hinted they were making progress on the issue.
But Emilio Perez de Rozas reported that Alonso is experiencing discomfort in his left wrist and neck, and says the issue gets worse during longer stints behind the wheel.
Fernando Alonso’s health issues could affect short-term plans
Alonso has started a record 426 Formula 1 races across three stints in the sport since he made his debut in 2001. Speaking on Radio MARCA, Perez de Rozas pointed out that ‘the body has a memory’.
Across more than two decades, the Spaniard has accumulated countless laps, and it’s begun to show. The vibrations from Honda’s engine are only making things worse for him.
The pain has become so severe that it could affect Alonso’s plans for the near future. While many already expect him to step away from F1 after his contract runs out in 2026, there are growing doubts about whether he’ll see out the full season.
Perez de Rozas commented on the situation, saying: “We’ll see if they [doctors] recommend he stop and if he might retire.”
If medical advice does lean towards stepping back, the final call would rest with Alonso himself. Reports suggest that despite everything, his drive to compete hasn’t faded.
Fernando Alonso issues come at a bad time for Aston Martin
Alonso, now 44, would become the first 45-year-old to start an F1 race since Graham Hill back in 1975 if he stays with Aston Martin through the summer break. That bit of trivia has been floating around as fans start to wonder how long he might keep going.
He’s had two spells out of the sport but still managed to stack up more than anyone else, and there’s already been talk that this contract could be his last. The team was only just inside the points again, and that came after a driver ahead dropped out.
The Honda vibrations are only making things harder. Some predictions say it could take two years for Honda’s engine programme to catch up with the rest of the field, while even the most optimistic views suggest it’ll be at least six months before they close the gap.
If Aston Martin continue finishing near the back when they do make it to the end of races, Alonso’s drive could take a hit. While injuries play their part, long-term motivation may prove to be an even bigger factor in what comes next.
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