Stroll criticizes the 2026 F1 regulations as an Aston junior stands firm against them.

      "I believe many drivers would share that sentiment."

      Lance Stroll has become one of the Formula 1 drivers voicing his discontent with the 2026 regulations, although his team’s simulator drivers suggest the situation might be on the rise. "I’ve experienced it in the simulator, which is why I’m feeling a bit down," the Canadian stated to AS. "It’s unfortunate that Formula 1 is leaning towards electric power and has had to lessen downforce to accommodate battery power.

      "It would be enjoyable to see cars that are light, nimble, fast, and possess substantial downforce. Essentially, it should resemble more of a traditional racing series rather than a scientific experiment focused on a battery-operated championship.

      "I believe many drivers would concur with this perspective, and I suspect some remain silent due to political considerations." Stroll further noted, "It’s thrilling to imagine cars that could be louder, lighter, and not overly centered on energy or batteries. That approach isn't very conducive to racing."

      However, Jak Crawford, the Aston Martin F2 driver and simulator tester, pointed out that recent developments have led to notable advancements. "There’s been considerable evolution in both the power unit and the chassis," he remarked. "It may not completely reflect how the car will perform in the first round in Australia, but it does provide a solid insight.

      "This is my first experience in developing a power unit. It’s intriguing to observe our progress grounded in our wind tunnel data and the collaboration with Honda." Honda, which will supply engines to Aston Martin in 2026, is purportedly following a different technical trajectory compared to other manufacturers. Team CEO Andy Cowell recently commented that the chassis and power unit already "fit seamlessly."

      While Red Bull and the FIA have discussed the possibility of reintroducing simpler V8 engines, Honda continues to be a strong supporter of the 2026 hybrid formula.