Lance Stroll’s contract extension with Aston Martin has got many F1 fans talking. Here are the key points causing a stir:
- Many fans think Lance Stroll is the worst driver on the grid.
- Critics argue his place is due to his dad owning the team.
- Social media erupted with anger after his new deal was announced.
- Fernando Alonso’s praise for Stroll hasn’t convinced everyone.
- Aston Martin’s hopes for future success seem uncertain.
Lance Stroll has signed a new contract that keeps him with Aston Martin until 2025 and beyond. However, a lot of Formula One fans aren’t happy. They’ve followed his journey since 2020 when the team was known as Racing Point. Many feel his place in F1 is only secure because his father, Lawrence Stroll, owns the team.
Stroll started his F1 career in 2017 with Williams, becoming the second youngest driver in the sport’s history. While he’s had some good moments, like three podium finishes and one pole position, people criticize his overall performance. Last season, his teammate Fernando Alonso finished fourth with 206 points, while Stroll only managed 10th place with 74 points. This gap hurt Aston Martin’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship, dropping them to fifth place.
Fans took to social media to express their displeasure. Phillip Applegarth sarcastically tweeted, ‘Well done. You’ve just guaranteed that you won’t be winning a championship any time soon. Congratulations.’ Nick Parker also questioned the team’s decisions, saying, ‘I really struggle to understand how Aston Martin can position themselves as a winning team and still keep Stroll in. Yes, I know his dad owns the team, but at what point are constructors’ points etc not more important?’ Morgan Moore bluntly commented, ‘Worst driver on the grid. Him pushing the assistant was the last straw for me. Horrible man.’
Lance Stroll’s continued presence brings up questions about Aston Martin’s ambitions. His father Lawrence wants to make Aston Martin a championship-winning team. However, Stroll has scored only a third of the points that Alonso has earned this year, causing doubts about his contribution to the team’s future success. @king_despi on Twitter even suggested, ‘I’d take Carlos [Sainz] and Fernando. Or even beg Seb [Vettel] to come back.’
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso praises Lance Stroll, calling their relationship ‘the best he’s ever had in his F1 career.’ Despite the skepticism, Alonso claims that Stroll’s familiarity with the team is valuable. ‘Apart from a couple of years with Williams, he has spent his career in this environment with the same group of people,’ Alonso said. He argues this knowledge will help Aston Martin adapt to future changes, like the new rules in 2026 and their partnership with Honda. Alonso added, ‘For me personally, it’s also very positive to be able to work with someone who only thinks in the same direction and only helps the team, not his individual desires.’
As the team struggles this season, Alonso and Stroll have been working closely to understand their issues. Alonso pointed out Stroll’s dedication and commitment. ‘He works a lot in the simulator, he lives in the UK and that helps. But we’re always talking about the team and the things in the car.’
Looking ahead, the decision to extend Stroll’s contract adds complexity to Aston Martin’s plans. It’s unclear if this move will help them achieve Lawrence Stroll’s dream of becoming a championship contender.
The future of Aston Martin’s success remains clouded by doubts over Lance Stroll’s performance and place in the team.
