Lance Stroll slams F1 as ‘fake’, says F3 is 1,000× more exciting

Canadian driver Lance Stroll pulled no punches on media day in Miami, branding today's Formula 1 as a ‘fake’ product and saying the sport has lost its soul to hybrid weight and part‑throttle restrictions. He compared the current cars to the raw, V10‑powered machines of the early‑2000s, arguing they were louder, lighter and far more exciting. Stroll even went so far as to claim an F3 car feels a thousand times more fun to drive.

Why it matters:

• Part‑throttle and heavy hybrid systems are eroding the pure driving experience that fans fell in love with.
• The loss of distinctive engine sound and agility fuels growing dissatisfaction among drivers and long‑time supporters.
• Stroll’s outspoken criticism could pressure the FIA and teams to revisit weight and power‑unit regulations before the next rule‑book overhaul.

The details:

• "All the part‑throttle stuff is just destroying the racing."
• "We’re miles off where we should be; the early‑2000s V10 Ferraris sounded better and felt more nimble."
• "F3 cars feel 1,000 times more fun because you have full pedal control and a lighter chassis (550‑650 kg vs 750‑800 kg)."
• "The lack of character and noise in current cars makes them feel ‘fake’."
• "F1 is protecting a business model, not the sport’s essence, according to Stroll."

What's next:

• The comments may spur the FIA and teams to reconsider hybrid weight penalties and the part‑throttle mandate.
• Fans and pundits could rally for a return to a more sound‑rich, naturally aspirated formula.
• The debate is likely to surface at the next drivers' council meeting and could shape the 2025 rule‑book.