Aston Martin misery continues with expected double retirement

Aston Martin's misery has continued after both of its drivers retired from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

It was expected that both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso would not reach the end at Melbourne's Albert Park due to the issues the team has experienced with the AMR26.

Honda's power unit has already caused Aston Martin significant trouble this year, with Stroll having missed both third practice and qualifying due to an ICE issue.

Both Alonso and Stroll started the race, although the former initially retired on lap 11 after being told to stop by the team.

However, the two-time world champion did return to the circuit later on following changes to his car by the Silverstone-based outfit, but he retired once again at the end of lap 32.

Aston Martin confirmed the decision was made to conserve components, with Stroll retiring two laps later, but again, the Canadian soon returned to the track, but was 12 laps down by the flag after his return.

He finished 17th. 

Despite the disappointment of a double retirement, both drivers lasted longer than initially expected.

Ahead of the grand prix, team principal Adrian Newey revealed that Alonso believed he could complete only 25 laps and Stroll 15 due to the risk of permanent nerve damage in their hands caused by severe vibrations.