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Alonso Opts Out: Physical Toll Forces Early Exit in China

Fernando Alonso made the decision to withdraw from the Chinese Grand Prix after experiencing numbness in his extremities caused by excessive engine vibrations. The discomfort left the driver feeling there was insufficient reason to continue competing in the race.

Alonso Opts Out: Physical Toll Forces Early Exit in China
F1

Engine vibrations proved too much for Fernando Alonso to overcome during the Chinese Grand Prix, as the persistent physical effects forced him to call time on his race early. The Aston Martin driver found himself battling numbness spreading through his hands and feet—a direct result of the mechanical disturbances emanating from his power unit throughout the event.

Faced with mounting discomfort and seeing no viable path to a meaningful result, Alonso made the pragmatic choice to bring his car to a halt rather than soldier on through the remainder of the grand prix. The combination of the physical toll and lack of competitive opportunity left little incentive for the two-time world champion to continue his Sunday.

It was a frustrating conclusion to the weekend for Alonso, who ultimately found the race conditions untenable as the technical issues continued to plague his driving experience in Shanghai.

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Article C5.1.13

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F1 engines must be extremely efficient with oil consumption, using no more than 0.30 liters per 100 kilometers during normal racing conditions. This rule ensures teams develop reliable, well-engineered power units while preventing excessive oil burn that would give unfair performance advantages.

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  • Applies during normal operating conditions only
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Engine oil consumption must never exceed 0.30l/100km in normal operating conditions.

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Chapter: C5

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  • Rule ensures engine reliability and prevents excessive power gains
  • Violation can result in engine component failure or competitive advantage
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Chapter: B8

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  • Only approved power units are allowed in races
  • Every component must conform to the latest homologation dossier
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Official FIA Text

The only Power Unit that may be used at a Competition during the Championship is a Power Unit which is constituted only of elements that were in conformity, at the date they were introduced in the Race pool, with the latest submitted and approved homologation dossier.

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