Lance Stroll has recorded twelve non-finishes in seventeen races during the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking a challenging campaign for the Aston Martin driver. He has been classified in only five races this year. Stroll currently holds zero championship points, making him one of three drivers yet to score in the season.
Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer Mike Krack has publicly defended Stroll’s commitment and work ethic. Krack cited Stroll’s extensive simulator work, including a full day two days prior, as evidence of his dedication to improving the team’s performance.
The 2026 season has proven difficult for Aston Martin and its new engine partner, Honda. The team sits tenth in the Constructors’ Championship with seven points, all scored by Fernando Alonso.
Reliability issues have plagued the AMR26, particularly severe vibrations from the new Honda power unit. These vibrations have been identified as damaging other car components and causing physical discomfort for both drivers.
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe admitted that Honda ‘wasted two years’ in developing its 2026 power unit, starting late in the process. He described this year’s engine as ‘clearly inferior’ to its rivals based on FIA performance figures.
Stroll himself has stated that the Honda engine costs Aston Martin approximately two seconds per lap. This power deficit, combined with chassis issues, has severely hampered the team’s competitiveness.
The AMR26, designed by Adrian Newey, was late to its Barcelona shakedown and completed the fewest laps during pre-season testing. Early in the season, Stroll remarked that the car was ‘four seconds off the top teams.’
Fernando Alonso also reported losing feeling in his hands and feet due to the persistent vibrations from the power unit. This highlights the physical toll on the drivers.
Aston Martin introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade in Hungary, followed by Honda’s revised power unit at Zandvoort. However, these updates have not consistently translated into improved results.
Krack has also defended both Stroll and Alonso against what he termed ‘inappropriate questions’ from the media regarding their performance amidst the team’s struggles.
Stroll’s campaign began with a non-classification at the Australian Grand Prix, where the AMR26 experienced multiple issues. He later completed a full race distance at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, securing a season-best P12.
His retirements include a clutch problem in Singapore and a water pressure issue in Azerbaijan, which led to a tense exchange with a marshal. A hydraulic issue forced his retirement in Italy.
For the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix, Stroll will sit out the first free practice session. Jak Crawford, Aston Martin’s reserve driver, will replace him to fulfill the team’s mandatory rookie FP1 requirements.
This will be Crawford’s fourth FP1 appearance of the 2026 season. Stroll is confirmed to continue with Aston Martin alongside Alonso for the 2027 season, marking their fifth consecutive year as teammates.
