Formula One commentator Harry Benjamin has recently voiced his opinion that Aston Martin should contemplate replacing Lance Stroll to better compete for World Championships.
This discussion has emerged amidst internal speculation at Aston Martin about potentially bringing in Carlos Sainz to replace Fernando Alonso, rather than Stroll.
Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, moved to Aston Martin from Alpine at the start of the 2023 season.
He quickly established dominance over Stroll, scoring 206 points out of the team’s total of 280.
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Despite the performance disparity between the drivers, Stroll’s position seems secure, primarily because his father, billionaire Lawrence Stroll, owns the team.
Reports from Motorsport.com indicate that this familial tie might jeopardize Alonso’s spot on the team, as there is a possibility of replacing him with Sainz.
Harry Benjamin, who is stepping in for David Croft as the Sky Sports F1 commentator for three races this season, expressed on the BBC Chequered Flag podcast that Stroll’s place on the team is secured only because of his father.
He highlighted the necessity for Aston Martin to reevaluate Stroll’s role, especially given his consistent underperformance, even after receiving vehicle upgrades.
Benjamin remarked, “Surely, there’s got to be the conversation at some stage unless he dramatically picks up performance – and even with an upgrade this weekend he didn’t have the pace advantage within himself, he said that in his interviews – and you have to wonder how long can he go on within himself doing this and being absolutely beaten every time.”
He further criticized Stroll’s contribution to the team, pointing out that Stroll’s insufficient point scoring was a significant factor in Aston Martin missing a top-three finish in the Constructors’ Championship.
“Aston Martin lost out on a top three position in the Constructors’ Championship last year because they only had one man scoring the points.
“Okay, Stroll picked up a few points here and there, but he’s not pulling his weight in that team. Fernando Alonso is once again carrying it.”
Benjamin concluded by emphasizing the need for a reliable second driver who can consistently score points.
“If Aston Martin wants to become a serious threat in Formula One, they have the facilities and the money to do it, they need a second driver.
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“Well, first of all, they need to hold on to Fernando Alonso, [and] then they need a second driver, who is capable of scoring points and banking them.”
Meanwhile, both Alonso and Sainz are attracting attention from other top teams.
Mercedes, under Toto Wolff’s management, is considering Alonso as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton, while Alonso has shown interest in a move to the reigning world champions.