F1 News
Should Lawrence Stroll fire his son? These drivers are eagerly awaiting
- GPblog.com
Aston Martin is off to a particularly poor start in 2022. For the first time since 2009, the team from Silverstone did not score a single point in the first three races. The car is by no means a high-flyer, but it is high time for Mike Krack and Lawrence Stroll to take a closer look at the results of their drivers.
Disappointing results for Stroll
Sebastian Vettel started his season poorly, but then did miss the first two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia because of an infection with the coronavirus. The German gets the benefit of the doubt for now. Lance Stroll, on the other hand, drove all three Grands Prix so far and immediately lost the first qualifying session in Bahrain to substitute Nico Hulkenberg. In Saudi Arabia, 'The Hulk' crossed the finish line ahead of Stroll.
In addition, the Canadian is also making an awful lot of unnecessary mistakes, resulting in fat bills for the team. Something an F1 team can't use in the days of the budget cap. Is it time for Lawrence Stroll to expel his son from the team? GPblog.com takes a quick look at the possible replacements.
Nico Hulkenberg
Of course, Hulkenberg can't be missing from this list. The German has already filled in at Aston Martin for five races, including three in 2020 when it was still called Racing Point, and did so with great class. Hardly any preparation, but scored solid results. Since 2020 Hulkenberg has been a regular reserve driver for the team, so he knows the set up well.
Oscar Piastri
The future of the 2021 Formula 2 champion is not yet certain. Currently, the Alpine junior is waiting for his chance to shine at the French team where Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon currently drive. Ocon is stuck on a long contract and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Alonso's results are still fine and he himself wants to continue for longer. Should both drivers race for Alpine in 2023, Alpine could make a deal with Aston Martin and stable Piastri there for at least one season. Laurent Rossi has already indicated that he is open to loaning out his pupil.
Nyck de Vries
De Vries seemed to come close to a seat in F1 in 2021, but ultimately did not manage to get a job at Alfa Romeo or Williams. The Formula E world champion is still a reserve driver for Mercedes, for whom he has already driven some tests. The link between Aston Martin and Mercedes has always been good and De Vries knows the power source. It would be a good acquisition for the team from Silverstone.
Felipe Drugovich
Drugovich is the leader in the Formula 2 championship after two race weekends. The Brazilian is currently not yet linked to any of the Formula 1 teams, while almost all of his direct opponents in F2 are. With MP Motorsport he has shown that he can win and he seems to have a serious chance at the title. A logical stepping stone after that would be Formula 1.
Sergio Perez
It remains to be seen whether Perez himself would want to return to the team that put him out on the street in 2020, but of all these drivers, he might be the most logical choice for Aston Martin. Perez knows the team very well, has already won for them and was loved by the mechanics. Currently, the Mexican himself is hoping for a longer stay at Red Bull Racing, but there is a chance that Pierre Gasly will re-join there in 2023 for a second chance. If that is the case, Perez would really have to look for a new seat.
Fernando Alonso
Alonso has indicated on several occasions that he would like to continue in F1, but this largely depends on Alpine's choice. When Piastri gets the seat with the French in 2023, Alonso will probably have to make way. Granted that this chance is very small, Aston Martin could take a mega hit and create a team of champions with Vettel and Alonso. Two true veterans who know how to help build a fast car.
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