Former Formula 1 driver and analyst Ralf Schumacher has expressed critical views on the future of Lance Stroll at Aston Martin. The German believes that team owner Lawrence Stroll, the driver’s father, must make a tough decision if he wants to fulfill the ambitions of the racing team.
“If he truly wants to become world champion, he must fire his son,” Schumacher told Bild. “Lance’s qualifying results against his teammate Fernando Alonso, namely 27-0, say it all. The father must decide: emotions or success?”
Lance Stroll has been driving for the racing team owned by his father since 2019. Since the arrival of Fernando Alonso in 2023, the performance difference between the two drivers has become glaringly apparent. In 2023, Stroll was defeated by Alonso with a 132-point deficit, and in 2024, that difference was 46 points. This season, both drivers are on 26 points, but Stroll has already been beaten in qualifying by the 44-year-old Spaniard in 27 consecutive Grands Prix.
‘Decision is Difficult’
According to Schumacher, Aston Martin is at a crossroads, as the new technical regulations from 2026 offer opportunities to make the leap to the top. With the arrival of designer Adrian Newey, the team wants to consistently compete at the front, but according to the German, a better driver lineup is also necessary.
Schumacher: “The father must decide: emotions or success? If he is serious about the team’s ambitions, he will have to completely revise the driver lineup for 2026. I think he knows that, but the decision is difficult for him.”
