The world of Formula 1 is built on precision, engineering and speed, balanced with entertainment, while often overriding an image of luxury and glamour. However, even world famous F1 teams are not immune from unexpected safety risks.
Aston Martin’s drivers - Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll - are reported to have been exposed to severe vibrations whilst driving, stemming from the Honda power unit in their new 2026 F1 cars, according to a BBC Sport article on 5 March 2026. The vibrations are said to be so strong that parts of the car are coming loose, and the team has warned of the risk of permanent nerve damage after as few as 15–25 laps of driving. With most F1 races requiring 50+ laps for a finish, this could seriously prejudice not only their racing but their health. The drivers have already reported numbness in their hands and feet during pre-season practice, raising concerns about long‑term health consequences and safe operating limits.
These issues, in a sport renowned for its investment in safety innovation, provide a powerful reminder: no industry is immune to hazards, and no workplace should ever ignore them.
While most of us won’t experience the g‑forces of a Grand Prix circuit, the fundamental principles of risk control apply everywhere — for example: across construction sites, offices, workshops, retail settings and public services throughout Scotland.
In this F1 example, the vibration problem only fully emerged during pre‑season testing, resulting in reduced mileage and additional operational restrictions while control measures were put in place and further investigations continue to try and find a long-term solution. In Scotland, employers have a legal duty - under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - to identify hazards before harm occurs, so far as reasonably possible. A full risk assessment should be undertaken and acted upon, first, to identify the hazards and risks of harm from any working practice or environment and, second, to ascertain the appropriate steps that should be taken to mitigate that risk.
Again, while the potential injury facing Alonso and Stroll comes from an activity out of reach of most of us, similar risks can arise within many workplaces from the use of power tools and machinery, poorly maintained equipment, or long periods of manual handling or steering controls.
Employers must comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, which requires assessment of hand‑arm and whole‑body vibration, monitoring against exposure limits, and ensuring equipment is properly maintained. Personal protective equipment or PPE is also an essential under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. However, PPE should really be seen as a last control measure, and certainly not the first or even only measure, as is the case in some workplaces and for some irresponsible employers.
Employers in Scotland must put in place clear, practical steps to safeguard their employees. They should be conducting risk assessments, taking steps to control hazards at the source, maintain equipment, engage workers with appropriate health surveillance, and ultimately comply with their legal duties to keep their workers safe.
Even if their employment is worlds away from the glamour, glitz and adrenaline rush of F1, everyone deserves to be safe at work.
If you have been injured at work due to negligence in the workplace, our specialist Personal Injury Team would be happy to discuss your potential claim with you. Contact a member of our team on 0800 731 8434
