Lance Stroll Hails 'Most Encouraging' Aston Martin Upgrade in Years

Lance Stroll has praised Aston Martin's latest upgrade package as the most encouraging step the team has taken in recent memory. The 16-part update introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix has lifted the AMR26 from the back of the grid into the midfield, giving the Silverstone squad a measurable path forward.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin started the season well off the pace and has spent months searching for answers after falling to the foot of the constructor standings. This sudden leap validates the team's aggressive development push and underscores the early impact of Adrian Newey, who was brought in to lead a full technical overhaul. For an organization with clear podium ambitions, proving the car can react positively to major changes is essential to rebuilding internal confidence and credibility.

The details:

• The Hungary package effectively created a B-spec AMR26, allowing Fernando Alonso to reach Q2 for the first time this season. Stroll backed that up with a 13th-place finish, one spot ahead of his teammate, confirming the car has found genuine pace.
• Stroll remains candid about the gap still to the front. He noted the team is now "in the mix" but remains short on both downforce and power, with Mercedes still holding a clear advantage in outright performance.
• The Canadian expects results to swing based on circuit layout. Power-hungry tracks like Baku and Monza will likely expose the engine deficit, while grip-dependent venues should play more to the strengths of the new aerodynamic package.

What's next:

An upgraded Honda power unit is scheduled to debut at the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break, directly addressing the horsepower shortfall Stroll identified. At the same time, Newey has confirmed the team is already in early research stages for the AMR27, targeting an earlier production release to avoid the development crunch that hampered this year. If the Dutch upgrade delivers and the team sustains this momentum, Aston Martin could yet climb clear of the backmarker scrap.