Lawrence Stroll is considering ‘stepping back’ from Aston Martin role at the end of 2026

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Lawrence Stroll has been one of the biggest spenders in Formula 1 in recent years but, in a sporting sense, he has seen no return on his investment this year.

In addition to opening a new factory and wind tunnel, Stroll has launched a star-studded recruitment drive. Some of the most respected engineers in the paddock, like Adrian Newey, Andy Cowell and Enrico Cardile, have joined Aston Martin.

And yet, the team have started F1’s new era at the back of the grid. With an underpowered, unreliable and noncompliant car, they have scored one point in 10 races, and even that was fortuitous.

Was Fernando Alonso’s 2021 comeback worthwhile, or has it ultimately been a waste of time?

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Is Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin tenure coming to an end?

It was recently reported that Aston Martin’s shareholders want to review Stroll’s control of the F1 team in light of this year’s failure.

There were also suggestions that Stroll was losing interest in Aston Martin, which opened up the possibility of a sale. The Canadian’s consortium, Yew Tree, are the largest shareholders in the car company.

Speaking on Giorgio Terruzzi’s podcast, journalist Stefano Nicoli relayed fresh rumours that Stroll could ‘step back’ in 2027.

“I’ve also started hearing some rumors about a potential scoop regarding Stroll potentially stepping back next year,” he said. “Stroll the owner, not the driver.”

It’s unclear whether ‘stepping back’ means selling up and cutting ties entirely. An alternative translation of the Italian phrase would be ‘departing’.

Theoretically, Stroll could hand control of the F1 operation to someone else – Aston Martin have been linked with Christian Horner – while retaining his financial interest. There might also be a gradual transition to a new regime.

Naturally, if the billionaire does reduce his involvement, it will raise questions about the future of his son Lance, whose seat has been safe despite underwhelming performances (even when the car was more competitive).

“If someone else were to acquire Aston Martin, the first person out the door – as the saying goes – would be Stroll Junior,” Terruzzi surmised.

F1 Oversteer has contacted Aston Martin for comment.