Gearbox issue results in DNF for Lance

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team driver Lance Stroll did not finish the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix due to a gearbox issue on the AMR26.

Free Practice heats up

Warm weather affected track conditions during the three Free Practice sessions.

Throughout Friday, Lance ran on the Medium and Soft tyres. He faced downforce and balance issues that limited the AMR26, but Lance was successful in collecting a good amount of data; he completed 21 laps in FP1 and 20 laps in FP2.

During the final Free Practice on Saturday, the track temperature was up to 51°C.

Lance collected 17 more laps of information ahead of Qualifying, bringing his Free Practice total up to 58.

WATCH: 2026 BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GRAND PRIX FREE PRACTICE ONE HIGHLIGHTS

No downforce in Qualifying

Lance continued to face drivability issues during Qualifying due to a lack of downforce and power.

He placed P21, outqualifying teammate Fernando Alonso.

WATCH: 2026 BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING HIGHLIGHTS

A difficult end to the weekend

With track temperatures still high, Lance started the 66-lap race on the Hard tyre.

Alongside his teammate, Lance was one of the only two drivers to begin on Hards.

However, Lance started to experience issues with getting the car into gear. This gearbox issue forced him to retire after only five laps.

Lance’s season will continue on 26-28 June with the Austrian Grand Prix.

WATCH: 2026 BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GRAND PRIX HIGHLIGHTS

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, said:

"I had to retire the car because of a gearbox issue; I couldn't get third or fourth gear for the last couple of laps. We'll investigate it further after the race. We have a lot of things to work on, and we're focusing on our upgrade package which is due around summer break. Until then, we know things will continue to be difficult."