Aston Martin believes it has two drivers in Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso who are offering different but complementary strengths as the team prepares for Formula 1’s major reset in 2026.
Chief Technical Officer Enrico Cardile has explained how Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll contribute to the development process in contrasting ways, with Stroll’s concise feedback even drawing comparisons to former World Champion Kimi Räikkönen.
Alonso remains the most experienced driver on the grid and continues to lean on that background when evaluating a car.
Asked whether the Spaniard refers back to previous machinery when giving feedback, Cardile replied: “He does.”
While the 2026 rules will introduce an entirely new generation of cars, Cardile said Alonso’s experience remains useful for Aston Martin when comparing similar concepts or behaviours.
“Among same generation of cars, he can help,” Cardile said. “He can help for being even more clear, so, ‘Guys, look back when I drove that car in that specific corner, with memory, that car I felt was better’.
“Then it’s up to us to understand what better is, which characteristic he liked the most.
“He has a very good memory. He’s a smart guy.”
Cardile: Lance Stroll a ‘very talented guy,’ comparable to Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen
Stroll, who is approaching his 10th season in Formula 1, delivers his input in a very different manner.
According to Cardile, the Canadian speaks less, but his feedback is highly focused.
“He’s a very talented guy,” Cardile said.
“He talks less than Fernando, perhaps he is even sharper than Fernando, or [what] Fernando says.
“The nice thing for us is they are pretty much aligned, which is, I would say simplifying, but simplifying our life, because we are receiving comments which are along the same side.
“They have a different sensibility on different aspects of the driving, but they are just the details.”
The description of Stroll’s communication style inevitably led to a comparison with Räikkönen, known throughout his career for his minimal and direct feedback.
Cardile worked closely with the Finn during his second stint at Ferrari and agreed with the assessment.
“Yes, definitely,” Cardile said. “You knew Kimi. Definitely, yes.”
The insight comes as Aston Martin gears up for a transformative period. Formula 1’s 2026 regulations will introduce smaller, lighter cars, active aerodynamics and power units split evenly between electric energy and sustainable fuels.
It will also mark a new era for the team itself, with a Honda works partnership and the first Aston Martin car developed under the technical leadership of Adrian Newey.
With Alonso’s detailed recollections and Stroll’s sharp efficiency, Aston Martin believes it has a driver pairing well suited to guiding the team through F1’s next major evolution.
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