Lance Stroll issues brutal one-word Aston Martin assessment

Lance Stroll issued a brutal one-word assessment on whether Aston Martin's major vibration issue improved during the Australian Grand Prix.

Stroll endured a torrid season-opener at Melbourne's Albert Park, where he completed just three laps in first practice and 16 in second practice.

His weekend worsened on Saturday, with an internal combustion issue with Honda's power unit in his AMR26 forcing him to miss both final practice and qualifying.

Following discussions with the FIA, Stroll was granted permission to start the race, although he finished 15 laps behind after pitting for changes before returning to the track halfway through the grand prix.

When it was pointed out that he had at least managed to race, Stroll responded to select media, including RacingNews365: "Racing is a strong word, but we got out, we did some… we recirculated.

"So, yeah, I mean, it was the only session I did all weekend, really. So it was nice to drive around the track a little bit and get some kilometres in the car."

The Canadian driver struggled for pace throughout the race but did last longer than team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Alonso also pitted in the opening stages for changes, dropping him several laps adrift before later retiring from the race after returning to the track for a short period.

Asked if being 15 laps adrift was difficult to accept, Stroll said: "It's not hard. The biggest problem is we just don't have any speed and no reliability. That's the biggest thing."

Honda's power unit problems are causing significant pain for Aston Martin, which does have a competitive chassis designed by team principal Adrian Newey.

The biggest issue is the vibrations Honda's engine is causing through the chassis, which Newey warned could put the drivers at risk of permanent nerve damage in their hands.

On whether the level of vibration had improved from first practice, Stroll issued a one-word response: "No."