Lance retires with water pressure issue

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team driver Lance Stroll did not finish the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a result of a water pressure issue.

Taking to the track on a Thursday

Due to Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day taking place on the Sunday of the weekend, all sessions happened a day earlier than usual.

The weekend’s three Free Practice sessions saw frequent yet brief Yellow Flag interruptions.

Lance navigated the sessions well, collecting a total of 46 laps of data during Thursday’s running. He worked on the Hard and Medium tyres during FP1 and then spent the whole of FP2 on Softs.

Unfortunately, Lance’s FP3 came to an early end.

The AMR26 had been struggling with a lack of power and downforce throughout the sessions, and this continued to be an issue during Qualifying.

WATCH: 2026 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX FREE PRACTICE ONE HIGHLIGHTS

A water pressure issue brings Lance's race to an end

Despite being known as the City of Winds, the wind had dropped considerably on race day compared to Qualifying conditions.

Lance started at the back of the grid after taking penalties for new PU components.

Unfortunately, after seven laps on track, Lance was asked to stop the car due to a water pressure issue. The team will now analyse the situation and focus on improving the issue for future races.

Lance's season will continue on 2-4 October with the Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place in Malaysia.

WATCH: 2026 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX RACE HIGHLIGHTS

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

“We had a water pressure issue, so I was told to stop the car. It's been another tough week, but we know the situation we are dealing with this year. There aren't many positives to take away. The focus is on improving these issues for the upcoming races and as we look further ahead to 2027."