The various teams in the Formula 1 Championship are gradually confirming their drivers for next season, but at Aston Martin there remains a question mark over Lance Stroll’s head.
With his father’s presence, the Quebecer’s seat appears to be secured for as long as he wants it. Nevertheless, his performances this season are being talked about. All in all, director Mike Krack has suggested that Stroll will be one of his two drivers in 2024, again alongside Fernando Alonso.
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“It’s Monza, it’s a crazy season for drivers and it’s boring right now,” he said in reference to Thursday’s rumors, according to website Motorsport.com. I don’t think there is a debate at the moment. We will be very good next year with our two drivers.”
Misleading statistics?
Stroll arrives in Italy 121 points behind his team-mate, who also finished second on the podium at Zandvoort. During this time, the Montrealer had to make do with 11th place and was never really part of the game.
Before the weekend in the Netherlands, there were even rumors that the 24-year-old could soon turn to professional tennis.
“There is no clear gap in performance, but there is a clear gap in points,” remembers Krack. It is important to distinguish between the two. At team level, we analyze the season from both perspectives, from both drivers. I think the team needs to do a better job this side of the garage in terms of race strategy, but we’ve also had reliability issues and that’s always had an impact on this car. We have to do a lot better here.”
During this Grand Prix, which was marked by bad weather, Stroll pitted seven times, a record among all drivers. With a better strategy and an advantageous starting position, Alonso was able to run among the first throughout the event.
Work
However, the Quebecer enjoys a privileged position in his team, but will not skimp on efforts to improve, said Krack.
“I think we’ve seen a really hard working driver in the last week, trying to analyze every little detail where he can improve, going into the simulator and driving a lot. “So I think there is nothing that can change the situation at the moment,” explained the director.
On Friday, Stroll will make way for Aston Martin development driver Felipe Drugovich for the first free practice session. Qualifying takes place on Saturday and the race the next day.