Lance Stroll criticises Honda F1 engine as Aston Martin drivability problems worsen. Lance Stroll highlights Honda power and drivability problems at Aston Martin.

Lance Stroll has delivered another critical assessment of Honda’s Formula 1 power unit, insisting its latest progress is “not even remotely” significant enough after Aston Martin suffered another difficult qualifying session at the Dutch Grand Prix. While both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso believe the AMR26 chassis has improved considerably thanks to Adrian Newey’s recent changes, the Honda engine remains a major concern.

Honda arrived at Zandvoort with considerable confidence after speaking positively about the progress made with its updated power unit. Lance Stroll, however, does not share that optimism, highlighting the continuing problems with power, drivability and engine braking.

Lance Stroll rejects claims of major Honda F1 engine progress

The Canadian was eliminated in Q1 at Zandvoort alongside Fernando Alonso, continuing a difficult Dutch Grand Prix weekend for Aston Martin. Stroll nevertheless acknowledged that the chassis itself has improved, with Adrian Newey’s developments having produced a noticeable step forward since the Hungaroring.

The problem is that Aston Martin also needs help from the Honda power unit, which has been updated under the ADUO. According to both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, the changes have not solved the existing issues and have instead introduced further complications.

“It’s not even remotely a significant step forward. Maybe you can see an improvement, but it’s not enough,” Lance Stroll said when discussing Aston Martin’s difficulties.

Aston Martin chassis improves but Honda drivability remains a weakness

Stroll’s comments underline the contrasting situation within Aston Martin’s 2026 package. While progress on the chassis side has given the drivers more confidence, the power unit is still limiting what they can extract from the car.

“As far as the chassis is concerned, I think we’re in a good place. We made a big step forward in Budapest, but we need to focus on drivability and power,” Lance Stroll explained.

“There are a lot of problems and with the engine braking it’s a lottery on corner entry. Often we can’t shift down into the lower gears.”

The assessment leaves Aston Martin with a clear divide in its development picture. Adrian Newey’s modifications appear to have moved the chassis in the right direction, but Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso are still waiting for comparable progress from Honda as the team works to improve both power delivery and drivability.