If we look at the points, it seems Lance Stroll is playing second fiddle to Sebastian Vettel in the Aston Martin team. Daniel Ricciardo probably has become just that for McLaren. He is leaving the team at the end of the year, but he might not leave behind a lasting legacy.
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Lance Stroll has been contemned for his wealthy background. His father, Lawrence Stroll, is part of the top 1% of the world. Stroll Sr. has a net worth of $2.9 billion and is the Executive Chairman of Aston Martin. These connections have made people question Lance’s abilities.
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However, former-F1 driver Marc Surer does not agree with the criticisms. Speaking to motorsport-total.com, hey says the Canadian is “a much better driver than you might think.”
“Yes, it is difficult to call him a super talent like Fernando Alonso or Sebastian Vettel, but he is a good co-driver for the team.”
He goes on to compare the 23-year-old with Ricciardo. “He’s not that bad and he proves it time and time again by getting points, even considering how bad their car is right now. He’s not bad in terms of speed against Vettel.”
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team looks on as the prototype for the 2022 F1 season is unveiled during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 15, 2021 in Northampton, England . (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“You can compare their situation with McLaren – Stroll is closer to Vettel than (Daniel) Ricciardo is to (Lando) Norris.”If the car was better, Lance would consistently be scoring points”, said the former Brabham driver.
Stroll receives similar backing from Aston Martin principal Mike Krack who says the Canadian is “strongly undervalued”. He believes he has done well to partner with a 4-time World Champion, and not get intimidated by Vettel’s credentials.
While the drivers’ standings separate the Aussie and Canadian by 4 spots, it is not a picture Ricciardo would be proud of. The former Red Bull driver has scored a measly 19 points from 16 races and remains seatless for the 2023 season with just 6 races remaining for this season.
Daniel Ricciardo could be sitting at home in 2023
Danny Ric is being replaced by another Aussie young talent at McLaren. While Ricciardo was performing well for Red Bull, securing 8 podiums in his debut season, things have gone downwards ever since.
SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JULY 01: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1 looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on July 01, 2021 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
He joined Renault in 2019 and secured 9th, 5th, and 8th (with McLaren) positions for the seasons since then. In 2022, he is in the 14th position. Ricciardo and McLaren mutually terminated his contract prematurely, a year earlier than agreed.
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Jacques Villeneuve was strongly critical of Ricciardo’s trajectory. “He had two terrible years at Renault and two even more terrible years at McLaren. That’s four years. Almost helped of his Formula 1 career was bad.”
“The modern cars just don’t seem to suit his driving style. He was impressive at Red Bull, but after that something seems to have happened and he never recovered from that,” said the Canadian veteran driver.
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With several open spots in multiple teams, but none vying for Ricciardo as their first option, it looks like a bleak future for the lively Aussie. He will be hoping for a break soon.
