Formula 1 drivers should recognise that they’re in a ‘privileged’ position, the former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says. There are only 20 seats available at the highest level of motorsport.
The idea is that the sport is reserved for the best drivers in the world. But it’s not entirely meritocratic – Lance Stroll may not be on the grid without the backing of his billionaire father Lawrence Stroll, the team owner at Aston Martin.
Elsewhere, Sergio Perez’s sponsors Telmex have paid Red Bull more than £100m since his 2021 arrival. And the Williams driver Franco Colapinto offers a £25m package to his suitors for 2025.
But whatever the reason for a driver’s presence on the grid – commercial, sporting or a mixture of both – Steiner says they should feel grateful. While they must behave in a professional manner, he wants to see them laughing from time to time too.
Some would argue this isn’t important. Daniel Ricciardo was known as one of the most comedic figures on the Formula 1 grid following his arrival in 2011.
But as his career went on, Ricciardo came to be seen more as a personality and less as a world-class racing driver. The Australian is unlikely to return to the sport after losing his RB seat last month.
Guenther Steiner says Lance Stroll doesn’t seem to have a ‘positive experience’ in Formula 1
Speaking to the Champ1 YouTube channel, Steiner expressed sympathy for Stroll. He finds it ‘sad’ that the 292-point driver is hardly ever seen laughing on camera.
Steiner doubts whether Stroll wants to be in F1 at all. He’s previously aired suspicions that he’s only racing to respect his father’s wishes.
Stroll came into the year as one of 13 drivers out of contract, but he penned an extension in June. That should keep him at the team until at least the end of 2026.
“You never get a laugh from him,” Steiner said. “I actually find that sad. To have such a job as one of 20 privileged people in the world to be driving Formula 1 cars and not having a positive experience. It looks like he has to do a job that he doesn’t want at all.”
Could Lance Stroll race in another series to open Aston Martin door for midfield rival?
Stroll was roundly criticised after his retirement from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last time out. He slid off the track on the formation lap and then beached his car in the gravel as he tried to rejoin.
Peter Windsor called Stroll a ‘disgrace’ and said he needn’t have bothered attending the race. The Canadian showed good pace on Sunday morning to reach Q3 but wasn’t able to take part in the session after a crash.
If he wants to continue racing but lacks enthusiasm for F1, he does have other options. Aston Martin are entering the Hypercar class at Le Mans in 2025.
Yuki Tsunoda could replace Stroll if he decides to pursue that opportunity elsewhere. Tsunoda is a Honda driver, and the Japanese manufacturer will supply Aston’s engines from 2026.
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