One Formula 1 team has begun to struggle at an alarming rate and has been accelerating in the wrong direction for some time.
Aston Martin now sit seventh in the constructors’ championship and have actually been slower this year than they were in 2024.
Their developments have been miserable and now they struggle to make it out of Q1 at most events. It feels like a drab end to Fernando Alonso’s career, and possibly a waste of Lance Stroll’s best years.
Signing Adrian Newey was a major statement of intent ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations, but they have a mammoth task on their hands to get back to the front.
Aston Martin have an ‘abysmal’ traction problem and no one quite expected them to be so poor, just two years on from competing for podiums at most events.
At this stage, Aston Martin signing Max Verstappen feels like it would be a miracle, regardless of how much they have invested in the future.
READ MORE: Peter Windsor saw Lance Stroll do something ‘ridiculous’ to Max Verstappen that ‘ruined’ the end of the Saudi Arabian GP
Natalie Pinkham says Lance Stroll deserves a ‘pat on the back’ for 2025 F1 performances
Strangely enough, all 10 of Aston Martin’s points have been scored by one driver so far in 2025, and it’s not who you might expect.
Stroll has been terrific and silenced a lot of his doubters so far. Without him, his team would be rock bottom of the standings.
He’s under contract through at least the 2026 season and things should look a whole lot more promising with the new regulations, especially if hiring Newey has the desired effect.
Natalie Pinkham has singled the 26-year-old out for praise and doesn’t believe that he gets the respect he deserves.
“All the more reason to give Lance a pat on the back, I don’t think we do that enough,” she said regarding his performances in 2025.
READ MORE: Lance Stroll just made an unwanted piece of Formula 1 history in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix qualifying
Why Aston Martin should keep Lance Stroll even if they want to sign Max Verstappen
With 171 Formula 1 races under his belt, there are few drivers who come with such experience at such a young age.
At the beginning of a new ruleset, being adaptable and able to draw on experience is going to be crucial, particularly in developing the car.
He might actually be the perfect number two to Verstappen if they were to sign the reigning champion from Red Bull.
He doesn’t have the alpha male attitude that his current teammate would come with, and he would be able to learn a lot from being next to such a great driver.
He has proven against the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Alonso already that he can cope with having a high-profile teammate, and he may even surprise a few people in the future.
Leave feedback about this