Johnny Herbert sparks debate: claims Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are on the same level in Formula 1. Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Aston Martin should let go of Fernando Alonso and keep Lance Stroll.

Johnny Herbert provokes controversy: Alonso and Stroll considered on the same level

Aston Martin should part ways with Fernando Alonso and keep Lance Stroll in Formula 1. This is the latest provocative statement from former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert, who believes the Silverstone-based team must make difficult choices if it seriously wants to attract Max Verstappen in the near future. Herbert, a long-time commentator for Sky Sports, stated in an interview with Grosvenor Casino that Alonso should finally hang up his helmet, insisting that the two-time world champion is no longer the force he once was.

According to Herbert, Aston Martin’s management must carefully evaluate its driver line-up. He said that, if the team’s goal is to secure Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season and beyond, then keeping Lance Stroll – the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll – would be essential, while Alonso would be the one to make way. Herbert argued that the Spanish veteran is no longer delivering performances at the same extraordinary level that made him world champion in 2005 and 2006, and that the time has come for him to step aside.

The 2026 Formula 1 season as a turning point

The 2026 season will represent a decisive year for many Formula 1 drivers, with the introduction of a brand-new regulatory framework that will reshape the competitive order. One of the most closely watched cases will be Lewis Hamilton, who must decide whether to continue his career with Scuderia Ferrari or retire from racing altogether. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull Racing for now, but his long-term future is not guaranteed. Once the pecking order of the new technical cycle is clear, the Dutchman could evaluate other options.

The two most likely destinations for Max Verstappen, should he leave Red Bull, are Brackley – home of Mercedes and Team Principal Toto Wolff – or Silverstone, where he would potentially be reunited with legendary designer Adrian Newey, depending on whether Newey officially joins Aston Martin. If Verstappen were to choose Aston Martin, then either Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll would inevitably have to step aside, with the possibility of a permanent exit from the Formula 1 grid.

Herbert points at Alonso’s age as the key factor

Considering that Fernando Alonso would turn 46 years old in 2027, Johnny Herbert is convinced that the Spaniard is the obvious candidate to leave. In his analysis, Alonso is no longer the driver who once astonished the paddock with his consistency and his ability to extract every last tenth of performance from the car. Herbert controversially claimed that Alonso is currently “on the same level as Lance Stroll,” a comparison strongly contradicted by recent on-track results, where Alonso has consistently outperformed his Canadian teammate.

Nonetheless, Herbert doubled down on his view, saying that if it were up to him, he would show Alonso the door to make way for Max Verstappen. The former British driver even referred to Alonso as the “Methuselah of the drivers,” emphasizing his advanced age compared to the rest of the grid.

Herbert’s conclusion: Verstappen over Alonso

Herbert summarized his stance clearly: “Fernando Alonso is 44 years old today. Is he still the same driver who won two Formula 1 world championships? I don’t think so. Back then, he was a very special driver, and what he could do with a car was incredible. But if you ask me to choose between him and Max Verstappen, I will always pick Verstappen.”

Herbert’s comments have inevitably sparked debate among Formula 1 fans and analysts. While few deny Alonso’s age is a factor in his long-term future, the Spanish driver has repeatedly proven in recent seasons that he remains one of the most competitive and consistent drivers on the grid. Aston Martin, meanwhile, faces the difficult challenge of balancing the experience and leadership Alonso brings with the strategic and political importance of keeping Lance Stroll, whose father owns the team. If Verstappen does become available, the team may be forced into one of the most difficult decisions in its history.