Lance Stroll crashes out in Monaco as Aston Martin's scoreless season continues

Lance Stroll slammed into the barriers at Antony Noghes on Lap 60 of the Monaco Grand Prix, bringing out a late safety car that shook up strategy at the front but did little to distract from Aston Martin's deepening nightmare.

Why it matters:

The crash was another visible crack in what was supposed to be Aston Martin's blockbuster season. With Adrian Newey leading car design and Honda supplying power units, expectations were high for a genuine step forward. Instead, Stroll and teammate Fernando Alonso remain scoreless and rooted to the bottom of the standings, making this one of the most disappointing starts in recent Formula 1 history.

The details:

• Stroll lost control at Turn 19 in the closing stages, confirming he was unhurt before marshals cleared his car.
• The safety car let second-placed Lewis Hamilton and third-placed Charles Leclerc pit without losing position; leader Kimi Antonelli covered the move a lap later and retained first.
• Stroll became the fifth retiree, joining Lando Norris, Ollie Bearman, Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen on the sidelines.
• Aston Martin sits 11th in the constructors' standings with zero points, its drivers occupying the final two positions.

The big picture:

Aston Martin's 2026 reset was billed as a long-term contender project, yet the reality could not be more different. Newey's arrival was expected to cure aerodynamic and mechanical grip issues, while Honda promised a competitive power unit. So far, the car looks no closer to the points than it did last winter, raising serious questions about whether the fundamental package can be salvaged before the development race leaves them permanently behind.