Ralf Schumacher stands firm on Stroll: 'That was my point, and I stand by it'

09:27, 28 Aug

Updated: 10:53, 28 Aug

byTobia Elia

Ralf Schumacher wanted to put the Lance Stroll issue to rest once and for all, following his comments about the Canadian driver a few weeks ago that had raised eyebrows at Aston Martin.

“If he really wants to become world champion, he has to let go of his son,” Schumacher recently told Bild, suggesting that Lawrence Stroll would need to part ways with his son if he truly intends to turn Aston Martin into a winning team.

The former German driver also described the Canadian’s comments during the Silverstone weekend as “completely unacceptable,” after he spoke unfavorably about the AMR25's behaviour.

In response, Aston Martin decided to boycott interviews with Sky Deutschland, as they did last weekend in Hungary before the summer break.

Lance Stroll

Schumacher reiterates comments on Stroll

However, he has since shifted his focus further into the future. Returning to the topic on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher reaffirmed his stance, while acknowledging that Stroll is still achieving decent results with the car he has at his disposal.

''My view is that for 2026, with Fernando Alonso and also his son, if the car improves a bit, I think they won’t be too badly positioned that year, because everything is essentially new now,'' he stated.

''Adrian Newey is just getting started as well. That means 2026 will be an important year, where it might actually be wise not to make any changes.''

But my comment went beyond that, regarding 2027. Fernando Alonso is now at an age where you have to say he won’t be racing in Formula 1 for the next ten years.''

''The same applies to Lance Stroll, who, of course, has a disastrous qualifying record. That’s just the reality, even if his race performances are occasionally okay.''

He then added: ''You have to question that if you truly want a “six-star” season and eventually aim for the World Championship—you’ll likely need a stronger driver lineup overall.''

''That was my point, and I stand by it. I believe the current package won’t be enough to genuinely compete at the very front.''

''That said, it must also be acknowledged that Stroll does well relative to the car and still delivers some good performances. But I think, in the end, the gap will be significant.''