Lance Stroll’s grim verdict on Honda’s secret F1 engine upgrade: “Missing two seconds”

Lance Stroll has delivered a bleak assessment of Honda's Formula 1 power unit, claiming Aston Martin is losing up to two seconds per lap on engine performance alone. The revelation comes despite Honda quietly introducing its second power unit upgrade of the 2026 season via an ADUO token at the Spanish Grand Prix, with teammate Fernando Alonso receiving the updated turbocharger in Azerbaijan.

Stroll stated that the upgrade made little difference and highlighted power deficits at high-speed venues like Monza and Baku. Despite the engine deficit, Stroll expressed confidence in Aston Martin's chassis development and confirmed both drivers will continue working closely with Honda ahead of the 2027 season.