Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll will be more pleased with Lance Stroll outqualifying Fernando Alonso at the Austrian Grand Prix than when Alonso achieves podium finishes, according to F1 commentator Peter Windsor.
Stroll, who has faced criticism in recent races alongside his illustrious teammate Alonso, showcased his potential by outqualifying the Spanish driver for the second time in three races at the Red Bull Ring.
Former Williams team manager Windsor expressed his belief that team owner Lawrence Stroll would be “absolutely delighted” with his son’s performance in Styria, even more so than when Alonso competes at the front and challenges the dominant Red Bulls.
Windsor attributed Stroll’s improved performance to his efforts in addressing his technique’s shortcomings, with esteemed driver coach Rob Wilson playing a crucial role in his development. Wilson has previously worked with notable figures such as 2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, Valtteri Bottas, and Kevin Magnussen.
Highlighting Stroll’s progress, Windsor stated, “For him to be a little bit ahead of Fernando [Alonso], it’s exactly where his father wants him to be. His father will be absolutely delighted with this – much more than if Fernando was on the front row and Lance Stroll was seventh or eighth.”
Windsor emphasized that Stroll’s hard work, combined with a more driveable car, has allowed him to showcase his capabilities and implement the techniques he has learned from Wilson. Stroll’s ability to outperform Alonso in a well-balanced, good-handling Aston Martin in Austria is a testament to his dedication and improvement.
Although Stroll currently trails Alonso in the Drivers’ Championship standings, Windsor’s analysis suggests that his recent performance is indicative of positive progress for both the driver and Aston Martin as they aim to close the gap to Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship.
As the Austrian Grand Prix unfolds, all eyes will be on Stroll and Alonso as they navigate the circuit and seek to maximize their performance for the benefit of the team. The competitive dynamic between the teammates will continue to add intrigue to Aston Martin’s season.
