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Aston Martin’s significant debts have left Karun Chandhok wondering if Lawrence Stroll will be considering the Formula 1 team’s future.
The Canadian businessman has put in a huge investment in the Silverstone-based team to try and make them F1 world champions. In fact, it is said that Stroll has spent six times more than he planned, and in 2026, they are stuck at the back of the grid.
Despite signing Adrian Newey and bringing Honda on board as an engine supplier, Aston Martin are in crisis as vibration issues and poor power unit pace have left Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll struggling to finish races.
Has Lawrence Stroll made too many changes at Aston Martin?
Both cars made it to the chequered flag for the first time in 2026 at the Miami GP, but Stroll finished P17 behind the Cadillac of Sergio Perez, while Alonso could only manage 15th.
Aston Martin staff are ‘worn down’ by constantly finishing at the back of the grid. This lack of success, combined with the road car company’s financial problems, leaves Chandhok wondering about their future in F1.
Karun Chandhok questions Lawrence Stroll’s future plans as Aston Martin face £1.5bn debt
As the former F1 driver notes in his column for The Intercooler, Aston Martin are ‘posting a £57 million loss’ from the first quarter of 2026. With their debts rising to £1.46bn, he wonders where the F1 team stands for the future.
He wrote, talking about the Miami GP regulation changes: “In that big 24-page document of updates I mentioned, there was one outlier in the 11 teams – Aston Martin.
“The Silverstone-based team brought zero upgrades and its dreadful start to the season shows no sign whatsoever of turning itself around.
“It’s really hard to gauge what is going to happen with that team’s development this year as everyone just seems really deflated, tired and frustrated with the whole Honda power unit situation.
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“In the race, the Astons were at times three seconds off the pace, with Lance Stroll finishing five seconds behind Sergio Perez in the all-new Cadillac. For a team upon which such high hopes were pinned for this year, the long faces are more than understandable.
“Perhaps the team has just decided to write off the 2026 season and try to resolve the power unit issues with Honda while working early on the 2027 car.
“With news of the road car company posting a £57 million loss for the first quarter and the net debt rising to £1.46 billion, you do wonder what Lawrence Stroll must be feeling in terms of his plans for the automotive company and the F1 team.”
Reports have suggested that Stroll is losing interest in F1 and could look to sell the team to another interested party.
Chinese car manufacturer BYD has been mentioned as a potential option, with the company exploring the idea of joining F1. It is unclear, however, whether they will take over an existing team or enter as the 12th outfit on the grid.
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