Aston Martin has raised serious concerns about driver safety ahead of Formula 1's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, with team principal Adrian Newey warning that the car's vibrations could cause permanent nerve damage to drivers.

Newey revealed Thursday that the team's Honda power unit generates excessive vibrations that pose health risks to drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. According to Newey, Lance Stroll reported he cannot complete more than 15 laps before risking nerve damage to his hands from the vibrations.

The team principal, who is heading into his first race with Aston Martin, indicated that neither driver would likely be able to tolerate even half of the 58-lap race distance scheduled for Sunday. Newey suggested the vibration issues make it unlikely the team will finish the Australian Grand Prix without putting the drivers' health at risk.

The safety concerns have raised questions about Aston Martin's participation in upcoming races. Sources suggest the team may need to request permission to skip several races in the early rounds of the season if the vibration problems cannot be resolved quickly.

The revelations came as teams arrived at Albert Park for the first practice session of the Formula 1 season. The Australian Grand Prix marks the opening round of the 2024 championship, but Aston Martin's participation now appears uncertain due to the health risks posed by their current car configuration.