Lance Stroll has been in F1 since 2017, but in the last 7 seasons, he has only achieved 3 podiums and a handful of points. The Canadian driver has often been called out for being privileged, as he gets to race in F1 because his father, Lawrence Stroll owns the Aston Martin F1 team.
However, Stroll’s F1 days could be numbered as Honda shows interest in the team. According to F1 journalist Joe Saward, the Japanese Automaker are in desperate pursuit of an F1 team to supply power units to.
Saward claims the Japanese company has offered Aston Martin a deal to become an engine supplier from 2026. However, if the price is right, the $3.6 Billion worth Lawrence Stroll might even consider selling his F1 team.
Lance Stroll could lose Aston Martin racing seat
Lance Stroll has underperformed and remained a backmarker for most of his F1 career. Every teammate of his has out-qualified and outranked him in the standings. Yet, the Canadian driver’s F1 seat has never come in danger.
Lance’s father Lawrence Stroll is a billionaire who has supported his son’s racing ventures by splurging cash. Stroll has been a wealthy patron to his son’s teams, allowing him to retain his F1 seat. However, this could change if Honda decides to buy the Aston Martin team.
If Honda wishes to re-enter F1 as a works team rather than an engine supplier, it will be ready to buy Aston Martin’s F1 team in 2026. If by then Lance has not achieved significant success, then his billionaire father might consider selling the team.
Saward wrote in his latest blog, “The father and son will probably need to reassess their dreams and ambitions, as all of this activity is affecting the bank balance.” This would most likely end Stroll’s F1 career as Honda will be keen on replacing him.
He added, “If they sell it all, they will probably make more money than they have spent and will mean that on paper, it is a success rather than a failure.” However, the Japanese company does not seem interested in making a huge investment yet.
Honda trying to set up a deal with Aston Martin
Aston Martin uses Mercedes power units currently. Though, Honda has been trying to woo the British team for engines from the 2026 season when the technical regulations are set to change.
Honda, officially, has been named an engine supplier for the 2026 season. However, they will not have the backing of Red Bull, who confirmed their technical partnership with Ford from the 2026 season onwards. This leaved Honda’s future in the sport in limbo.
Joe Saward believes on paper, the Aston Martin-Honda deal makes no sense for either brand. Although, it will loosen Mercedes’ grip on Aston, allowing the British team to truly challenge for the title.
One option could be if Aston Martin buys Honda engines and rename them as their Powerunits. Saward believes this will be similar to Ford’s deal with Red Bull. Or the same way as TAG did with Porsche back in the 1980s.
Aston Martin will benefit as their brand name will receive recognition if the car wins races or titles. Honda will benefit as they get to test their engines at the pinnacle of Motorsports. While Aston Martin’s success can generate a long list of buyers for their expensive machinery. But this could also swing in Lawrence Stroll’s favor, allowing him to cash out big.
