F1 pundit and commentator Harry Benjamin has suggested that Aston Martin need to consider replacing Lance Stroll if they have ambitions to fight for World Championships. These comments follow reports that some ‘factions’ within the Silverstone-based outfit are considering a move for Carlos Sainz, at the expense of Fernando Alonso.
Alonso joined Aston Martin from fellow midfield rivals Alpine at the start of the 2023 season and immediately stamped his authority in the intra-team battle. The two-time world champion scored 206 of the squad’s 280 points, while Stroll endured a miserable year.
Despite the considerable pace difference between the two drivers, Stroll’s seat is safe due to his father – billionaire Lawrence Stroll – owning the team. According to a report from Motorsport.com, this could cost Alonso his drive, with the British constructor considering replacing the Spaniard with his compatriot Carlos Sainz.
However, Benjamin – who will replace David Croft as Sky Sports F1 commentator for three races this season – believes that it is Stroll who should be in danger of losing his seat rather than Alonso. “He’s only in that team, and we all know why, is because his father owns the team and runs the team,” he said on the BBC Chequered Flag podcast.
“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.
“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.
“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. 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.”
Both Alonso and Sainz are targets for other top teams too. Their incumbent driver has caught the eye of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as he searches for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, while the 42-year-old has openly flirted with the idea of a move to the reigning world champions throughout the early stages of 2024.
