Why it matters:
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has strongly advised Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll to remove his son, Lance Stroll, from the team if he truly aims for championship success. This stark assessment highlights the immense pressure on the team's driver lineup, particularly with a pivotal 2026 season approaching and new technical regulations on the horizon.
The big picture:
Schumacher's comments come amid a significant performance gap between Lance Stroll and his highly experienced teammate, two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso. Stroll has been consistently outqualified by Alonso, a streak that now extends to 27 consecutive race weekends since the 2024 British Grand Prix.
- Qualifying Disparity: Lance Stroll's 0-27 qualifying record against Fernando Alonso is a key point of contention, indicating a clear speed difference over one lap.
- Points Parity, But: While both drivers currently sit equal on points, Stroll has benefited from fewer reliability issues earlier in the season, whereas Alonso has faced three DNFs, two due to car issues.
- Owner's Dilemma: Schumacher explicitly states that Lawrence Stroll faces a tough choice between family loyalty and the pursuit of a world championship title.
What's next:
Aston Martin is heavily investing in its infrastructure and has secured the services of design legend Adrian Newey for 2026. This period is critical for the Silverstone-based squad to transition from a midfield contender to a championship challenger.
- 2026 Focus: With Newey's expertise, the team is building towards the major regulation changes in 2026, aiming to create a title-contending car.
- Current Performance Concerns: Despite recent positive results like the Hungarian Grand Prix – following a front wing upgrade – the team's overall performance inconsistency this season has been a concern. Lance Stroll himself described the car at the British Grand Prix as "the worst piece of shit I've ever driven."
- Uncertainty Post-Upgrade: Fernando Alonso acknowledged the surprise performance surge in Hungary but noted that the team doesn't fully understand the exact reasons behind it, emphasizing the need for further analysis to maximize future gains.