Stroll struggles with AMR25 as Aston Martin plots 2026 overhaul

Lance Stroll acknowledged ongoing difficulties with his Aston Martin this week, saying he shields himself from public criticism while team officials pointed to the car's demanding handling and limited practice time as factors in his inconsistent 2025 form. The comments followed a run of races culminating at the Singapore Grand Prix and come as Aston Martin prepares for major technical changes ahead of the 2026 regulation reset.

Stroll has struggled to match the pace of teammate Fernando Alonso through the season. Standings after 18 rounds list Stroll on 32 points and Alonso on 36, and Stroll has finished 15th or lower in seven races so far. After the Marina Bay race, Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell said the AMR25 is "especially hard to drive" despite improvements over last year, and conceded the team had not always given Stroll sufficient practice time, a shortcoming they have taken as a lesson.

The team’s competitiveness has improved since midseason, with the Hungarian Grand Prix cited as a turning point. Alonso has converted that progress into higher finishes in several events, while Stroll has produced mixed results, with some solid outings but also races in which he fell well...