Lance Stroll has been roasted by Formula 1 fans on social media after arriving at the Silverstone Circuit on Friday in a helicopter.
Stroll has scored points three times this year, and has been out-qualified six times in seven races in 2022 by team-mate Sebastian Vettel, having been out-paced by the German on 14 Saturdays in 2021.
The Canadian has been involved in one or two accidents in qualifying over the course of the season, and he currently sits 18th in the Drivers’ Championship having put three points on the board.
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The 23-year-old rocked up to the racetrack ahead of practice for the British Grand Prix in a helicopter owned by his father, and Lawrence Stroll’s initials are painted onto the side.
The stylish arrival naturally caused some reactions online.
“Just like his F1 car… it’s a very expensive piece of machinery that also has his name on it but he hasn’t learned how to drive it,” said a Twitter user.
“And yet no money can change the fact he’s ruining Aston Martin,” said another.
Stroll’s helicopter ride in Towcester also brought about the discussion about the environment.
“Can’t wait for Sky to lecture us about climate change this weekend while the drivers do this,” was another response.
Stroll span into the gravel at the end of FP1 in slippery conditions, but went 10th fastest in FP2 ahead of Vettel.
After running with a new floor upgrade, Stroll walked away from Friday relatively satisfied with his day’s running.
“I think we got some good running in, got a good feel for the car and yeah, feeling I think positive about this weekend and everything about the upgrade,” he said after practice.
“I mean I think there’s small improvements for sure, but we’ve still got to keep pushing, it’s only Friday so…”
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Despite the online criticism, Stroll is a three-time podium finisher in F1 having appeared on the rostrum in the dramatic 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, before ending third in the equally crazy races in Italy and Bahrain three years later.
Pay driver though he may be, the former Williams driver has displayed no shortage of talent since his arrival to the pinnacle of motorsport in 2017.