Stroll backs Aston Martin: 'The future is bright' ahead of home Canadian GP

Lance Stroll is staying positive despite Aston Martin’s miserable start to the 2026 season, saying the team has all the elements to become a winner even as they sit dead last in the Constructors' standings. The AMR26 has been plagued by battery vibration issues so severe they risked permanent nerve damage, with Miami being the first race both Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin entered 2026 with huge expectations: Adrian Newey as team principal, a new Silverstone facility, and an exclusive Honda engine deal. But the reality has been a car that barely completed laps. Stroll’s unwavering faith—and the team’s gradual progress—could signal a long-term recovery, or simply delay hard questions about the project’s direction.

The details:

• Battery vibrations forced Aston to redesign parts early in the season. Honda confirmed at Miami that reliability is now stable, allowing focus on performance.
• Stroll's belief is rooted in the infrastructure: “We have the CoreWeave AIR Tunnel, the simulator, incredibly talented people. It's about unlocking that potential.”
• Adrian Newey's role: Stroll praised the legendary designer's work from the Vettel era: “We’ve got the right person for the job.”
• Honda's target for Canada is to improve driveability and energy management, giving drivers confidence to carry more speed through corners.

What's next:

The Canadian Grand Prix is a crucial test. Honda needs to show the battery fix holds, and Stroll aims to give his home crowd something to cheer. “Difficult moments show who really believes,” he said. If progress continues, Aston Martin could climb off the bottom by mid-season. But the gap to the front remains huge. The future may be bright, but the present is still dark.