Why Lance Stroll's Aston Martin renewal shows the team's lack of ambition

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll

Lance Stroll's contract extension with Aston Martin in Formula One has confirmed the Canadian's stay with the team for the foreseeable future.

Stroll will line up alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in a move that seems to lack ambition from a team that has taken a step back this season.

Aston Martin appeared to have broken free from the midfield in the first half of 2023, with Alonso scoring four podiums in the first five races.

A slump over the past year after going the wrong way with upgrades has rendered the Silverstone-based team fifth in the Constructors' Championship, though.

The F1 grid is closer than ever before, emphasizing the importance of perfect fine details, as the tiniest mistake could cost both driver and team championship points.

Stroll is competing in his eighth season in Formula One and has yet to consistently hit the headlines, suffering a lack of speed over a single lap in qualifying.

The Canadian has also yet to get the better of a teammate in qualifying over the course of the season and was comfortably beaten by Alonso last season. The double world champion scored 206 points, while Stroll could only manage 74 points, failing to stand on the podium.

Stroll has also had his fair share of clumsy moments, most recently purposely clattering into Lewis Hamilton in practice for the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.

Despite his shortcomings, the 25-year-old has shown blistering speed. He took pole position for the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix in wet conditions and has driven to three podiums over his career.

Aston Martin did have other experienced drivers on the market, such as Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon, who are both seeking out drives for next year.

Both Sainz and Ocon have won a Grand Prix and in Sainz's case, have been able to battle consistently at the front.

The team is owned by Stroll's father, Lawrence, who was critical to his son's progression into Formula One.

The father-son relationship may be critical for Stroll to keep his drive for the upcoming seasons.

Sergio Perez's struggles at Red Bull have shown the importance of having two competitive teammates. Aston Martin seems to lack this, as Stroll has struggled to beat Alonso throughout a season.

Off the track, Aston Martin has all the hallmarks of an ambitious outfit, with a Honda engine deal coming in 2026 and a new wind tunnel about to open.

The British team will have an opportunity to get back to the front of the field in 2026 with the new regulations. They will face stiff competition in Formula One against teams who currently have arguably more competitive driver lineups, though.

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