Formula 1 returns from a forced break with a rather eventful start to the weekend. Regulatory changes, a large number of upgrades, and an uncertain and potentially concerning weather forecast in Miami are all shaping what is also a Sprint weekend. Among the many voices emerging from the paddock at the opening American round of the season, one of the most outspoken has been Lance Stroll, who shared his reflections on the current technical direction of Formula 1. The Aston Martin driver did not hide his doubts, comparing today’s single-seaters with those of the past and highlighting the gap compared to what he believes a “real” Formula 1 should be.
Stroll revealed that he has recently had the opportunity to drive other types of cars and revisit past racing footage during the break, elements that have influenced his perspective on modern F1:
“I have driven other cars, I did tests in an F3 and I also raced a GT at Paul Ricard. I also watched old races, historic cars running in Monaco. I listened to Ferrari engines from the early 2000s and I thought about how beautiful they were to watch and to hear: small, light, agile. It was a thousand times more fun; when you drive them you give what you want and you get what you want.”
The issue of weight and car characteristics is a major concern for Stroll, as he sees it as a fundamental part of what is wrong with modern Formula 1:
“Cars weighing 550-650 kg are much nicer to drive than those at 750-800 kg. These are details that make a big difference.”
As for many fans, engine sound is also a key topic, and one that he believes is missing compared to the past:
“When you hear a V10 or a V8 you immediately think: ‘this is Formula 1’. Today instead you hear a car shifting down in a corner with no character, no sound.”
The Canadian driver acknowledges the complexity of today’s regulations:
“I am not an engineer, I know there are limits like fuel flow and engine configuration. I don’t have all the answers, but it is a shame to be in this situation. I have heard rumours about future regulations, but for now we will have to live with these for three or four years. I hope we go back to lighter, faster and more enjoyable cars, both for drivers and fans.”
This comparison with the past has also led him to criticize some aspects of current Formula 1 machinery:
“All this management with the pedal, lift and coast… it is destroying races and also qualifying laps. I hope we return to something more natural to drive, without having to constantly think about how much energy to use.”
According to Stroll, Formula 1 today is far from the essence of the category:
“We are still very far from real Formula 1 cars, from being able to push flat out without thinking about batteries.”
However, today’s difficulties are not entirely unexpected. In fact, they are issues that have been anticipated for some time:
“For more than a year it was said that adding batteries and reducing aerodynamic load would not be positive. Fundamentally it is a system with clear limitations. Formula 1 is not that fun to drive at the moment.”
In his comments, the Aston Martin driver also highlights the differences in priorities between drivers and those who manage Formula 1:
“Formula 1 is a business and it wants to protect its image. But we drivers know what it means to drive a really good car.”
He added:
“The public still watches the races, Netflix, everything else. But those who truly know this sport know how it was before. You cannot hide the fact that today it is not at the level it could be. I am not the only one who thinks this. Some can say it, others cannot because of contracts. But we would all like better cars, closer to what real Formula 1 should be.”
Despite his criticism of modern Formula 1, Stroll remains confident in the Aston Martin project. He does not consider leaving the team or the sport itself, and he remains hopeful for the future:
“I really believe in this project. We are far from our potential, but we have strong foundations: Adrian Newey, the new factory, the wind tunnel. I don’t want to be on the sofa in two or three years watching two Aston Martin cars at the front without being part of it. I want to be there.”
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