Alonso Braces for Tough China GP Amid Aston Martin Strug

Fernando Alonso fears another difficult weekend in Shanghai

Fernando Alonso expects another tough weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix with Aston Martin struggling with power unit issues.

Alonso fears more discomfort and potential nerve damage in Shanghai due to Aston Martin's power unit issues...

Fernando Alonso is bracing himself for a tough weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix, expecting more struggles with his Aston Martin. The team had a nightmare start to the season in Australia, with power unit issues and parts shortages.

Aston Martin's struggles are largely due to their Honda power unit problems and lack of spares, which affected their performance in Melbourne. Alonso's comments reflect the team's concerns heading into the Shanghai weekend. 

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll experienced intense vibration from the power unit during the race, causing discomfort and raising concerns about potential long-term nerve damage. 

“The situation unfortunately didn't change within four or five days since Melbourne, so it will be a difficult weekend,” Alonso told reporters at the Shanghai International Circuit.

“We'll limit the laps in one or two sessions as we are short on parts. We need laps, to find the window on the chassis side.

"I'll be happy if we leave China with a more or less normal practice, more or less normal qualifying.”

Alonso couldn't say when Aston Martin would see improvements, leaving the team's timeline uncertain. 

“What can I do within the team? Work harder, help Honda as much as I can,” said Alonso.

“We can allocate resources to help Honda with the power unit. We are one team, it is a bumpy start that I hope won't last too long.

“We are pushing, we have very talented people in the team, so I hope within a couple of grands prix, we can have a normal weekend.

“To be competitive will take more time. Once we fix the reliability, we will be behind on power and things.”

With over two decades in F1, Alonso has driven everything from V10 petrol engines to today's complex hybrids. 

Fernando Alonso is embracing the challenge of the new F1 cars, despite the issues Aston Martin is facing, as his contract with the team expires at the end of 2026, potentially making it his final season on the grid. The 44-year-old Spaniard has driven everything from V10 petrol engines to today's complex hybrids and is enthusiastic about the new era of F1 cars.

Arriving in Shanghai for the #ChineseGP. pic.twitter.com/42A1897U2t

— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 12, 2026

Alonso's positive attitude is crucial for Aston Martin, as they struggle with power unit issues and vibrations that have caused problems for both him and teammate Lance Stroll. The team's partnership with Honda is off to a rocky start, but Alonso remains committed to helping them overcome these challenges.

“Do we enjoy driving these cars? Yes, because we love racing,” Alonso said.

“I do four or five 24-hour races because I love racing and I love driving. So if you jump into an F1 car, you enjoy going fast.

"But it is a challenge, a different challenge.

“I was super lucky to race in (the last) era and I feel lucky to race in both.”