Lance Stroll addressed Aston Martin’s ongoing challenges during F1 Bahrain Testing Week 2, speaking in a press conference at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Canadian’s remarks focused on the team’s power deficit and urgent development needs.
Aston Martin recorded the lowest lap count of any team at the second Bahrain test, completing just 128 laps. Reliability issues limited their running, while the fastest lap was 1m 35.974s, set by Stroll. Battery problems on the new Honda power unit also forced Fernando Alonso to stop on track.
Stroll on working with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin
Lance Stroll discussed his experience working with Adrian Newey during Bahrain Testing Week 2. Newey joined Aston Martin’s technical project ahead of the 2026 F1 season. When asked about working with Newey both trackside and at the factory, Stroll expressed enthusiasm: “Yeah, it’s been really nice spending time with Adrian, talking about the car, the things we need to work on, improve going forward.”
Newey’s arrival comes at a crucial stage for Aston Martin as they refine the AMR26 under the new regulations.
“So, yeah, just, you know, we’re still learning the car, working on many things and just trying to find more performance. Great stuff,” he stated.
The partnership represents a significant technical investment for Aston Martin. Stroll’s sessions with Newey centered on refining development priorities for the AMR26.
Aston Martin’s Honda power concerns in 2026 F1 Bahrain Testing Week 2
Stroll identified a clear power deficit during F1 Bahrain Testing Week 2 when asked where Honda needs to make improvements. His assessment was direct.
“Yeah, we need more power. You know, it’s simple as that.”
The Honda power unit faced reliability challenges throughout pre-season testing. Battery-related issues limited running and left the team with a shortage of parts. “We’re lacking on power and then, you know, we also need to improve the car. So, a combination of things,” Stroll stated.
Long-term development approach for the 2026 F1 season
When asked whether the issues from Bahrain Testing Week 2 could be resolved before the season opener in Melbourne, Stroll adopted a measured tone.
“No, I think we can improve the car for sure. I mean, we have a lot of ideas. So will all of our problems be fixed for Melbourne? Probably not.”
The response suggests Aston Martin are preparing for a progressive build across the 2026 F1 season rather than expecting an immediate turnaround.
“But it’s a long season, 24 races, so, you know, we keep chipping away. We try and bring as much performance as we can every weekend, and then on the engine side, the same,” he stated.
“Just try and bring as much performance as we can throughout the year. And we’ll see how we go,” he concluded. The approach reflects realistic expectations following Stroll’s Bahrain Testing Week 2 running.
Team representative Pedro de la Rosa admitted they are not where they want to be and expect a tough start. However, the data gathered helped identify key areas for improvement.
Lance Stroll’s F1 Bahrain Testing Week 2 comments revealed that Aston Martin faces power and chassis deficits heading into the season. With 24 races ahead, the team plans incremental improvements rather than immediate fixes for Melbourne.
