Stroll confirms race engineer split after Australian GP

Lance Stroll has confirmed this weekend's Australian Grand Prix will be his last with Ben Michell as his race engineer, ending a three-year relationship.

Michell has been the Aston Martin driver's race engineer since 2021. He was previously the Silverstone-based team's senior performance engineer.

From the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, and following a promotion, Michell will be Aston's head of performance optimisation.

Replacing Michell is Andrew Vizard, currently Aston Martin's senior performance engineer and who previously worked for Williams as a race engineer

He is being ushered into the role by Michell, with Vizard having been Stroll's race engineer during first practice at the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Stroll is expecting Vizard to transition smoothly into the race engineer position, following a lengthy preparation period.

"I don't think it's so difficult, Andrew's been preparing for a while, been coming to races and spending time at the factory," Stroll told select media including RacingNews365.

"I think it should be pretty smooth. But very nice times with Ben for the last few years, it's been enjoyable."

Second home race

With Stroll's sister married to Australian snowboarder Scott James, F1's annual trip to Melbourne has become almost like a second home race for the Aston Martin driver.

The 25-year-old is a big fan of the nation and finds the venue "more and more" enjoyable.

"It wasn't a few years ago, but I guess now you can say that it does feel like I have some family over here," he said.

"And I do love coming here. I love the sun shining and good energy in Australia - aside from the jetlag, the flight time and all that stuff."