What happened: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both entered the pits for a late-race switch from medium to soft compound tires during the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. The double-stack pit stop was a strategic gamble intended to maximize pace on the tight street circuit in the closing laps.

Why it matters: The aggressive strategy paid dividends for the team, which had struggled for pace all weekend. Alonso successfully navigated a chaotic final stint to finish P10, securing Aston Martin's first championship point of the 2026 season and their first since partnering with Honda as an engine supplier.

What to watch: The team will look to carry this momentum to the Canadian Grand Prix. They aim for a more competitive qualifying performance to support their race pace.