In a game-changing move of joining forces with Honda for 2026, Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll has also recently sold his $145,650,000 stake in Aston Martin, following the announcement of increased investment by Chinese automaker Geely, which could mean a complete takeover. This development caused a remarkable 10% surge in the company’s stock.
The marque has been making headlines due to its F1 team’s performance, but with Stroll divesting his stocks, speculation arises about his potential significant departure in the near future.
Today Lawrence Stroll sold 34.9 million shares for GBP117.0 million at GBP3.35 per share from Aston Martin Lagonda to Geely pic.twitter.com/HrFN3cKLGL
— Aston Martin F1 updates (@startonpole) May 30, 2023
However, Stroll might lose out on his big dreams in doing so. According to Business F1, the blame rests on Martin Whitmarsh’s shoulders.
Lawrence Stroll in deep waters as history repeats itself
In 2008, Whitmarsh made a decision that was disastrous for the team he was working for, McLaren. It was an incredibly foolish move, one that is considered the worst call in F1 history. The Liegate remains a blemish in F1 history- an espionage case between Ferrari and McLaren.
Now, Whitmarsh continues his killing spree by bringing together Aston Martin and Honda. Thus handing Stroll’s team to a gloomy future, and killing his dreams.
The Honda deal will undoubtedly bring the team many victories, but it has the potential of doing more harm than good. This is because the current deal has likely caused chaos between Aston Martin and their old trusted partners, Daimler AG. In the end, Stroll might just experience what Ron Dennis did all those years ago.
The team in green has shared a fantastic partnership with Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. The alliance resulted in Aston Martin’s F1 car being fitted with top-notch engines, electronics, and other components. Thus, being extremely competitive.
Aston Martin also depends on Daimler’s cutting-edge technology outside F1; more recently, for the newly baptized DB12, which boasts arguably the finest engine in its class.
Aston Martin’s dream takes a big hit
The Honda deal will not sit well with Daimler, and it’s unlikely that the CEO of Daimler Ola Kallenius, will go down without a fight. Only eight months ago, Kallenius demonstrated his belief in Aston Martin Lagonda by providing $60 million in hard cash to assist with their legal challenges. Not only does this show immense faith in the brand, but it is also a good deed the company wouldn’t survive without.
Lawrence Stroll has thus kissed his dream goodbye. Stroll envisioned making Aston Martin the next Mercedes or Ferrari by creating an integrated luxury car company and F1 team.
Honda welcomed Mr. Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of @AstonMartinF1 and Mr. Martin Whitmarsh, Group CEO of Aston Martin Performance Technologies at Honda global head office in Aoyama, Tokyo to announce our participation in F1 starting in the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/dcNqmnLGPF
— Honda Racing Global (@HondaRacingGLB) May 24, 2023
The consequences of this decision will take years to unfold, much like the repercussions of Martin Whitmarsh’s actions back in 2008. Moreover, it signifies that Geely will inevitably become Aston Martin’s owner, ending Stroll’s dream.
