Fernando Alonso to Delay Japan Arrival for Personal Reasons Amid Aston Martin Engine Vibration Struggles

Fernando Alonso delays Japan arrival for family reasons as Aston Martin battles engine vibrations and pursues new leadership for the F1 2026 season.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 7:11 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Delayed Arrival at the Suzuka Circuit

The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has officially announced that Fernando Alonso will be traveling to Japan later than originally scheduled. According to a statement issued to PlanetF1, the two-time world champion is attending to personal family reasons, which will result in his absence from the traditional Thursday media activities. The team has been quick to reassure the public and shareholders that "all is well," clarifying that the delay is not expected to impact his participation in the competitive sessions. Alonso is scheduled to be in the cockpit by Friday morning, ensuring the team remains on track for the third round of the championship.

Technical Hurdles and Early Season Retirements

The 2026 season has begun with significant technical challenges for the Silverstone-based outfit, primarily stemming from its new partnership with Honda. According to team reports, the car has been plagued by severe engine vibrations that have hindered performance and reliability. These mechanical setbacks have already taken a toll on Alonso’s campaign, as the driver has failed to see the checkered flag in the opening two races in Australia and China. As he approaches his 45th birthday this July, the veteran racer faces the uphill task of scoring his first points of the year in a car that has yet to prove its durability over a full race distance.

Strategic Opportunity for Development Driver Jak Crawford

Amidst the news of Alonso's late arrival, the team had already confirmed that third driver Jak Crawford would be taking over the AMR26 for the first practice session at Suzuka. According to Team Principal Mike Krack, this session represents a vital opportunity for Crawford to progress within the team's hierarchy while providing essential feedback on the car's handling. While Crawford was always scheduled for this FP1 outing, his role becomes even more critical as the team seeks to resolve the vibration issues that have crippled their early-season efforts. The data gathered during this hour will be instrumental in fine-tuning the setup before Alonso takes over for the remainder of the weekend.