Setbacks in Shanghai

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team driver Lance Stroll did not finish the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.

Returning to the Shanghai International Circuit, the team faced another difficult weekend as they continued working to understand the AMR26 in the early stages of the season.

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Logging mileage in China

Lance took to the track during the weekend’s sole practice session on the Medium compound tyre. With limited running available ahead of Sprint Qualifying, the focus was on gathering data around the Shanghai layout.

At the end of the session, Lance finished P20 as the team continued evaluating performance and balance.

WATCH: 2026 CHINESE GRAND PRIX PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

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First Sprint Race of 2026

In Sprint Qualifying, Lance placed P20 on the grid. Despite the starting position, he made a strong launch when the lights went out for the Sprint.

Gaining several places on the opening lap, Lance climbed to P16 in the early stages of the race.

Following a Safety Car restart, he continued battling in the midfield pack and ultimately crossed the line in P18, just behind team-mate Fernando Alonso after 19 short laps.

WATCH: 2026 CHINESE GRAND PRIX SPRINT HIGHLIGHTS

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An early end on Sunday

Qualifying for the Grand Prix itself proved difficult, with Lance lining up P20 on the grid.

When the race began, he once again made quick progress through the opening corners and moved up to P16 by the end of Lap 1.

Lance started the race on the Hard compound tyre, aiming to run a longer opening stint. However, on Lap 10 he was forced to pull off at Turn 1 with a suspected battery issue, bringing his weekend to an early conclusion.

WATCH: 2026 CHINESE GRAND PRIX HIGHLIGHTS

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

"The car just switched off going into T1. We need to look into it, but suspect it was a battery-related issue. Overall, we’ve done more laps this weekend, collected more data and learned more about the car and the engine so that’s a positive to take from China. We have lots of work ahead of us in all areas and need to push for improvements. It’s not an easy time for the team, but we’re all working together and there is a lot of potential to unlock.”

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