Ex-F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve insists “privileged” Lance Stroll DESERVES to stay in F1
Lance Stroll has never really been able to prove his worth in F1.
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Lance Stroll (via IMAGO)
F1 has seen plenty of stars who peaked early and then faded. Ex-World Champion Jacques Villeneuve is a classic example. As a veteran, his opinions carries weight. In a recent interview, he was asked if Lance Stroll could continue driving for Aston Martin despite underperforming. He replied that Stroll’s father’s influence earned him a spot in F1.
For those who don’t know, Lance Stroll joined Racing Point in 2019 after his dad Lawrence Stroll bought the team, which became Aston Martin two years later. Now that his contract is extended till 2026, fans are wondering if he deserves the seat.
Answering that, Villeneuve says Lance earned it since his dad Lawrence saved the team from bankruptcy. The 65-year-old believed that since he invested a lot of money and effort to save the team, it’s reasonable for him to make decisions like employing his son and keeping him in F1.
Lance Stroll is one of the most deserving drivers to continue racing in F1 because his dad bought the team. Of course, he deserves to be there. Aston Martin’s team could have gone bankrupt if not for Lawrence Stroll, so he deserves to employ his son and keep him in F1, it’s simple.
Jacques Villeneuve told Instant Casino
The former world champion pointed out that Stroll junior wasn’t falling behind. He mentioned that Lance matched Fernando Alonso, who had been struggling since re-signing, making him look better. Consequently, he advised the 25-year-old not to rely on privilege and instead urged him to show that he can be a fast racer. Villeneuve also mentioned other drivers who had the same conditions like Lance Stroll, the late. Ayrton Senna and Stroll’s racing rival Lando Norris.
Now he needs to show he is quick and he needs to realize there have been other millionaire drivers who had the same privileges, like Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, and Lando Norris.
Villeneuve added
Jacques Villeneuve questioned if Lance Stroll truly wanted to be an F1 Driver
Talking about Stroll’s son, the 1997 champion already questioned whether he genuinely wanted to be a race car driver or if he’s just following in his father Lawrence’s dream. Adding to that, Villeneuve wondered if Lance really had a choice or if he was simply fulfilling a family ambition. The former must’ve thought as Lawrence is a big fan of racing, he must’ve wanted his son to be an F1 driver.
There’s one question you never ask, did he ever have a choice? Did he ever want to really become a race car driver or was it his father’s dream? The father has always been extremely passionate about racing. I knew him in my IndyCar days and he always wanted to be racer himself. He was not allowed. And he’s living his dream.
Jacques Villeneuve via Planet F1
Indeed, Stroll’s career has always been shadowed by questions and allegations of him being there due to his father’s privilege. This has always made it harder for other Aston Martin drivers to experience the same level of criticism. However, his future for a few more years is secured and now he has to try to the best of his ability to shut down all his critiques.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)