Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll cites Honda engine deficit

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll has stated that the team is losing between one and two seconds per lap due to the performance of the Honda power unit. Stroll noted that the deficit is particularly severe on circuits with long straights, such as Baku and Monza.

While the team has made progress with chassis development and aerodynamic upgrades, the powertrain remains a significant concern. Stroll expressed uncertainty regarding the engine's performance levels heading into 2027.

In response to performance challenges, Honda has introduced the ADUO2 upgrade package. Honda Racing Corporation officials confirmed that the upgrade includes a new turbocharger designed to improve drivability and reduce turbo lag. This modification aims to assist with energy management by reducing the need to use the MGU-K to compensate for lag. While Honda representatives described the expected gains as small, they emphasized a continuous effort to find incremental performance improvements through calibration and hardware updates.