Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has confirmed that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will both race for the team next season, ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
Whilst there was no doubting that Alonso would remain with the side next season, there was some uncertainty over Stroll.
Alonso has a multi-year contract which expires at the end of 2024, although considering his current form, many expect him to potentially remain with the British side beyond that.
On the other side of the garage, little is known about the length of Stroll’s contract, given the fact that his father owns the team.
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Many believe that it’s impossible for Stroll to be dropped because of his father’s position.
As a result, it’s widely believed that the only way the Canadian driver leaves the team, is if he quits.
There had been some reports that he was considering leaving F1 for a career in tennis, although this has been rubbished by the driver.
He simply hasn’t performed well enough this season though, with him absolutely not making the most out of his package.
If he drove for any other team, the general belief is that he wouldn’t be retained.
Unsurprisingly, his future at Aston Martin for 2024 is safe.
“This is a nice way of putting it, to ask a provocative question, which is fine,” Krack told media including PlanetF1.com, when asked if Stroll was immune from being dropped.
“It’s Monza, it’s driver silly season and it’s bit boring at the moment. I think we don’t have any such such debate at the moment. We will be fine next year with the two drivers.”
Stroll has cost Aston Martin this year, with Alonso having been responsible for 78% of the team’s points in the Constructors’ Championship.
The two-time World Champion has claimed seven podiums so far this season, whereas Stroll has only finished in the top 10 eight times.
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Stroll’s poor form supposedly isn’t making him want to quit F1, with Krack insisting that Stroll is working “very hard” to improve.
“No, no,” Krack insisted.
“I think we have seen over the last weeks a very hard working driver trying to analyse every little detail where he can improve, being in the simulator, driving a lot, so I think there’s nothing that goes in the direction.”