Learnings in the Land of the Rising Sun

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team driver, Lance Stroll, finished P20 in the Japanese Grand Prix, where he'd previously placed 12th in 2024.

Becoming acquainted with a new track surface

With windy conditions at the circuit, Lance began the weekend on the Hard tyre. Due to the resurfacing work done to Sector One, it was vital to gather as much information as possible on how the AMR25 reacted to the new, smooth surface.

With just over 20 minutes to go, Lance switched to the Soft tyre to analyse how the softer compound acted.

After completing 25 laps, Lance concluded the session in P16.

WATCH: 2025 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX FP1 HIGHLIGHTS

Four Red Flags in Free Practice Two

The feedback gathered from FP1 was fed into the FP2 set-up.

Lance got straight out on the Medium tyres, ensuring the team had information on all tyre types. However, running was paused multiple times over the course of FP2 due to four Red Flags.

Grass fires caused two of the Red Flags as a result of sparks from the cars affecting the dry conditions of the grass.

All drivers were affected, leading to limited running for all teams.

WATCH: 2025 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX FP2 HIGHLIGHTS

Further Red Flags

By Saturday, the wind had switched direction, resulting in a strong tailwind between Turn 2 and Turn 7.

Responding to the weather changes and information gathered on the simulator, the team changed the AMR25’s set-up.

Lance began the session by running one lap on both the Medium and Hard tyres. Shortly after this, a Red Flag was brought out for another grass fire.

When the session got back underway, Lance resumed his Medium tyre running. He reported some vibrations but was ultimately able to collect information over 16 laps before another grass fire began with seven minutes to go. The session finished under a Red Flag.

WATCH: 2025 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX FP3 HIGHLIGHTS

Misfortune in Qualifying

The tailwind was still strong through the opening sector, causing trouble for drivers. This wind unfortunately affected Lance’s lap, resulting in him qualifying P20.

WATCH: 2025 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING HIGHLIGHTS

Taking learnings from a tough Grand Prix

Lance began the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix from P20. Starting on the Soft tyre, he made up a position on the opening lap.

At the end of Lap 9, Lance made his first pitstop, opting to switch to the Hard compound.

Just over midway through the race, Lance pitted again - this time for Mediums.

Lance and the team used the race as a chance to learn as much as possible about the AMR25 ahead of the next race of this triple-header, the Bahrain Grand Prix. They were able to gather data across all slick tyre types.

Lance's season continues in Sakhir on 11-13 April.

WATCH: 2025 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX HIGHLIGHTS

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

"Ultimately there wasn't much we could do today – we tried to make up some positions at the start, but it wasn't possible. It was still an opportunity to learn what we could, with set-ups for Bahrain, and we'll take that forward. It was just one of those days and we will see what we can do next weekend."