Aston Martin announced this week that both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso would be returning for another season in 2027. Of course, only Fernando Alonso's future was in doubt given that Lance Stroll's father owns the team.
Fernando Alonso's two main concerns have been the sub-optimal nature of the 2026 technical regulations and the uncompetitive AMR26, which remains at the back of the midfield despite major updates introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
With Adrian Newey superintending the car, great things were expected, but this has not come to pass. Honda's power unit has taken much of the blame, though the team attempts to present a united front.
In Malaysia, Lance Stroll talked about development plans and the team's engine deficit.
"I think the car is going to get a lot better," he said. "We have a plan, a good direction. We know what we have to do to put downforce on the car and all that stuff. I think the big question mark is the engine."
"We're missing two seconds in engines, so it's difficult. Places like the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix, when you're missing two seconds in engine, there's not much you can do."
Bottas and Cadillac
Honda has already taken advantage of additional development windows to address internal combustion engine and turbocharger limitations, aiming to mitigate driveability issues and turbo lag.
"The tracks with long straights are worse for us," Lance Stroll concluded.
Lance Stroll sits 21st in the drivers' standings with 0 points, while Aston Martin holds 10th place in the constructors' championship with 3 points.
Source: Motorsport
