Aston Martin is still looking for solutions to deal with the vibrations faced by its drivers, a problem that, according to Honda, intensifies when its power unit is installed in the AMR26. Before the start of the Japanese GP weekend, the team’s track engineering chief, Mike Krack, had already stated that measures would be implemented and tested at Suzuka.
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After Friday’s activities, Lance Stroll assessed the situation and indicated that progress is still limited. “There is still work to be done in that aspect,” the driver stated, referring to the vibrations. Despite the difficulties, Honda arrived in Japan confident that it had managed to resolve the problems related to battery vibration, allowing at least the completion of the race. The goal was achieved, although Stroll later retired from the race due to a water pressure problem.
Questioned after qualifying in Suzuka about the car’s performance and the possible relationship with the reduction in Honda engine RPM, Stroll pointed to multiple factors. “I think it’s a combination of the power unit and the car,” he suggested. “We are definitely losing a lot of time on the straights, but we are not the most efficient beast in the corners. Therefore, it’s a combination of factors.”
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The scenario occurs amidst the start of a new regulatory era in Formula 1, in which the battle for development aiming for 2026 promises to be intense and unpredictable. In this context, Stroll revealed that the team has already defined a path forward, although he acknowledges the uncertainty regarding the results.
“We have a plan for the coming months, and what that will bring in terms of lap time, time will tell,” he explained. He also highlighted recent limitations in evolving the car: “I mean, progress in F1 is never fast enough. So, right now, there is no progress, because we went to China and straight to Japan, and we didn’t have much time to test new things on the car in terms of development.”
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