Lance Stroll has been the better Aston Martin driver since Fernando Alonso’s renewal and deserves his spot in Formula 1, 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve claims.
Stroll has been unable to beat a team-mate since he moved over to the Silverstone-based squad in 2019, including a substantial 132-point defeat to Alonso last term.
The Canadian’s troubles, which comprised taking zero podiums compared to the Spaniard’s eight, saw Aston Martin lose out on fourth place to a revitalised McLaren.
However, Stroll’s position has never been in danger despite other candidates being available owing to his father, Lawrence, leading the consortium that owns the side.
Villeneuve believes that Stroll Sr has earned the right to retain his son in the team having saved the British-based operation when it was in administration in mid-2018.
“Lance Stroll is one of the most deserving drivers to continue racing in F1 because his dad bought the team,” Villeneuve told InstantCasino.com.
“Of course, he deserves to be there. Aston Martin’s team could have gone bankrupt if not for Lawrence Stroll, so he deserves to employ his son and keep him in F1, it’s simple.”
Meanwhile, Villeneuve has also argued that his compatriot, who trails Alonso 48-24 across the opening 14 rounds this season, has operated on his team-mate’s level.
Alonso has struggled since updates have made the AMR24 more troublesome to drive, with Stroll having finished ahead in three of the last four races up to the break.
“Lance isn’t running last and off the pace, he’s matching Fernando Alonso’s level,” he continued.
“The minute Alonso re-signed with the team, he has struggled and Lance has looked the better driver since.”
But while Stroll has signed a contract extension through 2026, Villeneuve has warned the Aston Martin racer that he must continue to showcase he warrants his seat.
“Lance knows he’s in F1 because his dad has bought the team, now he needs to show he is quick,” Villeneuve said.
“He needs to realise there have been other millionaire drivers who had the same privileges, like Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, and Lando Norris.
“Lance is lucky, but there’s nothing wrong with that and he needs to show he can race fast.”
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