Formula 1: Daddy Stroll has no reason to fire his son Lance

(GMM) Lance Stroll has found himself under scrutiny ahead of his home Canadian GP, as naive observers wonder if 2024 could be his final season on the Formula 1 grid.

While teammate Fernando Alonso has been re-signed for 2025 and 2026, there has been no word about 24-year-old Stroll’s deal – even though team boss Mike Krack has indicated he is happy with both drivers.

Lawrence Stroll bought an entire F1 team, so his son Lance could drive in F1 because no other team would hire him. To think he would fire his son now is simply naive.

Stroll has clearly underperformed relative to Alonso so far this year, triggering rumors that even his team-owning father Lawrence might see the Honda-linked Yuki Tsunoda as a better choice for 2025 and beyond.

“How much longer will Lance Stroll last?” exclaimed the headline in Le Journal de Montreal newspaper.

Correspondent Francois-David Rouleau is highly critical of his Canadian countryman, adding that Stroll also “does absolutely nothing to attract the sympathy of his many detractors who have been on his back”.

“The reality is as gigantic as an elephant in a luxury car garage,” he added. “Without his father, Stroll would not be behind that wheel.”

When asked about the speculation in Montreal, Stroll admitted: “Seems to be a pretty popular question that I’ve been getting asked recently.

“Yeah, that’s where my head’s at, for sure,” he added, indicating that he wants to keep racing beyond 2024.

“It’s definitely in my mind to continue being a part of it, but really focused on Montreal this weekend to enjoy my home race and try to have a good result.”

Alonso vs. Stroll 2024 so far

QUALIFYING

Alonso 4-4 Stroll
Best result: Alonso 3rd, Stroll 9th
Q3 appearances: Alonso 5-2 Stroll

SPRINT QUALIFYING

Alonso 1-1 Stroll

SPRINT

Alonso 1-1 Stroll

RACE DAY

Alonso 6-2 Stroll
Best result: Alonso 5th, Stroll 6th
Points: Alonso 33-11 Stroll
Retirements: Alonso 0-1 Stroll

STORY SO FAR

Lance Stroll hasn’t been as convincingly dominated by Fernando Alonso this year compared to 2023 but the Spaniard still has the upper hand.

Alonso scored points in each of the opening six races, while Stroll could only do so twice. The latter only finished ahead of his team-mate at the Australian Grand Prix due to Alonso’s penalty for causing George Russell to crash out.

Qualifying has been much closer though, so that’s an area where Stroll can take some confidence.