Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lance Stroll could leave Aston Martin if the team fails to improve its car. Montoya has predicted that Aston Martin could have two new drivers from 2028. Stroll is expected to remain with the team for 2027, but his longer-term future could depend on the team’s progress. The Canadian is the son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll. He has also been with the team since its Racing Point days. Montoya believes Stroll could eventually decide that continuing at the back of the grid is no longer worthwhile. “Stroll will leave if the car doesn’t improve,” Montoya said, as quoted by F1Maximaal.
Montoya further explained the situation and suggested that Stroll could make a decision sooner than expected. “If the car is not better next year, I think Aston Martin will have two free seats [in 2028],” he said. “Everyone hopes that Adrian Newey and Honda will make sure that the car is good. Stroll has been driving in Formula 1 for many years now. If he really doesn’t see that the situation is going to get better, how much longer does he want to keep doing this?” Montoya added, “Sooner or later, an Aston Martin without Lance Stroll is going to happen. Maybe next year, maybe the year after that.” Stroll has yet to score a point in 2026, while Aston Martin sit 10th in the Constructors’ Championship.
“There is zero doubt that Adrian will deliver”: Aston Martin pin hopes on Newey and Honda for 2027 revival
Aston Martin are banking on their development programme to transform their fortunes after a difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team entered the new regulations with major expectations after bringing Adrian Newey into a leading technical role and beginning a works partnership with Honda. Newey has insisted that the team’s approach is focused on building a complete package rather than relying on one standout component. “With the AMR26 we’ve taken a holistic approach: it’s not about one standout component, but how the full package works together,” Newey said.
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Recent upgrades have offered Aston Martin some encouragement. The team reportedly made a significant step forward at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with its qualifying and race pace improving considerably. However, the bigger target remains the 2027 season. Newey has backed Aston Martin to take advantage of further regulation changes next year. Fernando Alonso has also publicly expressed confidence in Newey’s ability to deliver a competitive car. “There is zero doubt that Adrian will deliver the best car possible,” Alonso said earlier this season. The progress will be closely watched as Aston Martin attempts to establish themselves as genuine contenders in Formula 1.
