Aston Martin has been urged to remove Lance Stroll from their lineup if they aim to challenge for the F1 World Championship in 2026, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. After signing renowned aerodynamicist Adrian Newey to spearhead development of the 2026 car, the team hopes to evolve into serious contenders. However, Schumacher insists that continuing with Stroll, who is also the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, could hinder that goal.
The current driver pairing features two-time world champion Fernando Alonso alongside Lance Stroll. In 2025, Stroll has struggled significantly in qualifying sessions, often falling far behind Alonso’s pace. Schumacher highlighted this gap as a major concern for Aston Martin’s future prospects.
Driving Performance and Internal Team Dynamics Under Scrutiny
Despite a notable qualifying deficit to Alonso, both Stroll and his teammate are level on points following a resurgence at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where the team delivered strong finishes. Stroll has scored points in three races this season, though Aston Martin as a whole has faced challenges maintaining consistent performance throughout the year.
Schumacher has openly criticized Stroll’s attitude, particularly after the British Grand Prix where the Canadian driver described his car as
“the worst piece of s**t I’ve ever driven in my life”
despite finishing seventh. Schumacher condemned the remarks as disrespectful, urging Stroll to make amends with his team for damaging morale.
If he [Lawrence Stroll] really wants to become world champion, he has to fire his son,
Schumacher said.
Lance’s 0-27 in qualifying against his teammate Fernando Alonso says it all. The father has to decide: emotion or success. If he’s serious, he has to completely rethink the driver pairing for 2026. I think he knows that, but the decision is difficult for him.
—Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver and pundit
We are often criticised for being too harsh on him, and maybe we are sometimes,
Schumacher admitted on the Sky Deutschland Backstage Pitlane podcast.
I have to say, this statement is very disappointing, and quite honestly, it’s a question of manners. You have to imagine the external impact. The mechanics who work there day in, day out so that the two can race – and then the boss’s son comes along and says: ‘Wonderful, and with such a c***** car.’ I have to say, that’s completely unacceptable, that’s an absolute no-go.
—Ralf Schumacher
I would hope that at the next race he goes and apologises. It’s just a shame, unspeakable, and it indicates a poor upbringing. I don’t know what movie he thinks he is in, but such statements diminish his own results. These are important points, after all. One mustn’t forget: These are also important bonuses for the mechanics and the like.
—Ralf Schumacher
And when someone then ruins it like that – quite honestly, you have to say: Grade F, dear Lance – and apologise to the team.
—Ralf Schumacher
Challenges Ahead for Aston Martin’s 2026 Championship Bid
Aston Martin’s acquisition of Adrian Newey for the 2026 vehicle project has raised expectations of a competitive leap forward, yet internal questions about driver lineup stability loom large. Maintaining Lance Stroll as a driver presents both emotional and professional challenges, given the familial ties to team ownership and the performance gap to Alonso. Lawrence Stroll faces a difficult decision that balances personal loyalty with the pursuit of success.
The significance of this situation goes beyond driver performance, touching on team cohesion, morale, and the strategic direction required to mount a serious championship challenge. With the next season potentially marking a turning point, the choice Aston Martin makes regarding Lance Stroll might determine whether they can transition from midfield contenders to genuine title threats.
