Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has endured a challenging start to the 2023 Formula 1 season, while his teammate Fernando Alonso has shown impressive form, standing on the podium in six of the first eight races. Stroll, on the other hand, has faced criticism for his performances in Miami and Monaco, raising questions about his ability to match Alonso’s pace.
Although Stroll managed to recover with a solid sixth-place finish in Spain, where he outperformed Alonso for the first time this year, he encountered further difficulties at his home race in Montreal. Starting from 16th on the grid, he could only manage a ninth-place finish.
In comparison to his strong performances alongside Sebastian Vettel in the previous seasons, Stroll’s struggles against Alonso have highlighted the difference between the two multiple World Champions. Some, including renowned motorsport journalist Peter Windsor, believe that Stroll’s father, Lawrence Stroll, may intervene to help his son bridge the gap to Alonso.
Windsor, responding to a viewer’s question during a recent YouTube stream, expressed his belief that Lawrence Stroll would take action to ensure Lance can match Alonso’s performance by the end of the season. Lawrence Stroll’s ambitions in Formula 1 involve creating a team where Lance can contend for Grand Prix victories and the World Championship. To achieve this, he has sought to provide strong benchmark drivers, such as Vettel, to push Lance and gauge his progress.
However, the unexpected challenge posed by Alonso has prompted some reevaluation. Windsor suggested that the Stroll family might be questioning their approach, wondering what they have created by bringing in a driver of Alonso’s caliber.
As the Formula 1 circus heads to the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix, the characteristics of the circuit may offer Stroll an opportunity to shine. The track’s excess of long, line-locked corners could level the playing field between teammates, much like how Valtteri Bottas often outpaced Lewis Hamilton during his tenure at Mercedes. Windsor believes that Stroll might benefit from this effect, similar to Sergio Perez, who has struggled in recent races while his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen has enjoyed a string of victories.
Nonetheless, Windsor acknowledges that Stroll faces challenges ahead with difficult circuits on the calendar. Lawrence Stroll’s expectations are high, and he will likely push his son to match the performance of Alonso. The pressure will be on for Stroll to demonstrate that he is indeed on par with his esteemed teammate.
As the Austrian Grand Prix approaches, it remains to be seen whether Stroll can rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance. The unique characteristics of the Red Bull Ring could offer a chance for him to shine, but he will need to capitalize on this opportunity to silence his critics and prove his worth alongside Alonso. Lawrence Stroll’s involvement and expectations will undoubtedly motivate Stroll to give his best and strive to match the pace of his esteemed teammate.
