Esteban Ocon defends Lance Stroll as rumours swirl over his Formula 1 future at Aston Martin, questioning his passion and career merit.
Aston Martin F1 has denied rumors suggesting that Lance Stroll’s days behind the wheel of a green Formula 1 car are numbered.
The 26-year-old driver missed the Spanish Grand Prix and underwent another wrist operation, which he discussed in detail today.
Stroll must undergo a final medical examination by the FIA before being cleared to race this weekend.
The team has also denied that the operation was preceded by an outburst in the garage. However, Stroll’s injury has reignited speculation about his future, with many believing that his father, Lawrence—owner of the team—may be running out of reasons to keep his son alongside Fernando Alonso.
Indeed, both George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda have been linked to Stroll’s seat for 2026. Not to mention Max Verstappen, who reportedly received an offer several months ago.
“It’s normal for the media to speculate on the driver market,” a team spokesperson said today. “But we have an incredible roster of drivers committed and under contract for 2026 and beyond.”
Still, Stroll’s reputation as a driver perceived to lack passion for his Formula 1 career continues to follow him.
“I know he’s not very talkative,” said his friend Esteban Ocon to the Journal de Montréal ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
“He opens up more to people he trusts. But he’s a truly lovely person. And so is his father.”
Ocon has known Stroll since their karting days.
“People might not understand it,” the Frenchman insists, “but Lance is as passionate about racing as anyone.”
“Nothing else really interests him—what he loves is driving.”
Ocon also pushes back on the notion that Stroll would not be in Formula 1 without his billionaire father.
“That’s not true because Lance won international karting races back when there was (Max) Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, myself. We were all fighting together and Lance was right there in that group.”
“It’s not true that money brought him all the way up. Not at all. Maybe, yes, there are easier paths to F1, but in the end, there’s no money with you in the car. It’s just you and you alone.”
