Lance Stroll has openly criticized the fleeting and harsh judgments from certain corners of the Formula 1 community, where opinions swing dramatically after just a couple of races. The Canadian driver refutes the extremes of being hailed
“the best driver in the world”
one moment, only to be deemed below standard shortly after.
Despite being frequently targeted due to his connection as the son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, Lance maintains a solid presence on the grid with nine seasons’ experience. Over his career, he has achieved a pole position, earned three podium finishes, and accumulated 306 points. Yet, public perception often questions his commitment and whether his seat is genuinely at risk, largely overshadowed by claims of nepotism.
Public Opinion’s Rapid Shifts Affect Stroll’s Image
Speaking to the media in Austria, Stroll highlighted how fickle assessments in Formula 1 can be. He explained that the sport operates on “very short-minded opinions” where a couple of strong performances can elevate a driver to the highest accolades, while subsequent poor results can lead to intense criticism and calls for their removal.
“I think Formula 1 is a business with very short-minded opinions,”
Stroll said.
“And if you have two good races, you’re the best driver in the world. And if you have two bad ones, you’re not good enough. You shouldn’t be here anymore and you’re s**t.”
He described the emotional toll of this cycle, acknowledging the natural reaction drivers have to their performances.
“I think you know when you have a crap day. You don’t enjoy having a crap day. If you have a good day, you enjoy having a good day. So I think that’s just how it is.”
Current Season Challenges Loom Over Aston Martin and Stroll
This year has proved difficult for Stroll and Aston Martin, with the Canadian driver scoring 14 points, slightly ahead of teammate Fernando Alonso’s 8. Stroll cited ongoing issues with the car’s performance since the Monaco Grand Prix as a major factor holding the team back.
He elaborated on the setbacks faced, including missing a race due to injury, struggles during the Barcelona event, and poor qualifying conditions in Canada. These difficulties stemmed from ill-timed circumstances, such as red flags and tire temperature problems, which hampered his results.
“The results just haven’t been great since Monaco,”
Stroll explained.
“I missed the race and in Barcelona with the injury, and then Canada was just kind of again, a bit, just bad timing and circumstance at the end of qualifying with medium tires and red flags and not getting temperatures.”
Despite these issues, he remains optimistic about the upcoming races.
“So I think there’s, there’s definitely, you know, just been like some crap going on and just not kind of putting it together. But just looking forward to this weekend and this circuit, I really always love coming here.”
Implications for Stroll and Aston Martin Moving Forward
Lance Stroll’s remarks underscore the relentless scrutiny faced by drivers, especially those with high-profile family ties in the sport. As Aston Martin struggles to find form this season, the pressure intensifies both on Stroll and the team to convert potential into consistent results. With key races ahead, how he manages this criticism and delivers on track could shape his future and the team’s fortunes in the championship.
