According to Ralf Schumacher, it’s high time for Formula 1 to part ways with Lance Stroll. The former driver and current commentator expressed strong criticism of the Canadian’s performance, who once again fell short at Aston Martin in 2025; Stroll was consistently outperformed by teammate Fernando Alonso. Schumacher believes his level is ‘no longer acceptable’ within the premier class.
Lance Stroll finished his ninth season in the premier class in sixteenth place; in 24 Grand Prix, the Aston Martin driver collected only 33 points. Teammate Fernando Alonso scored 56 points, despite the fact that the Spaniard did not finish in five races. He eventually finished tenth in the championship. Partly due to Stroll’s lack of points, Aston Martin fell back to seventh place in the constructors’ championship.
‘Does not belong in Formula 1’
Ralf Schumacher did not spare Stroll in the German podcast of Sky Sports. “Strictly speaking, this is no longer acceptable,” he began. “Honestly, when I see how well the Formula 2 champion has performed, he deserves a thousand times more to be in such a car,” he referred to Leonardo Fornaroli. “I am therefore curious about what will happen, because even Lawrence Stroll (Aston Martin team owner) cannot continue to ignore this problem. He absolutely does not belong in Formula 1.” Stroll is contractually bound to Aston Martin until 2026, although it is a rolling agreement.
Since his debut in Formula 1, the Canadian has shown competitive flashes, but a real breakthrough has yet to occur. Stroll has never finished higher than tenth in the world championship and has collected three podium finishes and one pole position in nine seasons. Since 2020, he has not advanced beyond fourth place. Comparisons with 44-year-old Alonso, a two-time world champion, are increasingly unfavorable for him. Stroll particularly struggles in the qualifiers; in 24 race weekends, he has not once outpaced his teammate.
