Stroll set for 'a big explosion of talent' despite Aston Martin struggles

Lance Stroll has been forecast to finally deliver on the F1 stage despite the fact it is approaching almost four years since he finished on the podium.

You have to go back to the Sakhir Grand Prix in the Covid-hit year of 2020 for Stroll's last top-three performance, and only his third overall of his 151 grand prix career, all of which have seen him finish third.

Since Fernando Alonso arrived at Aston Martin at the start of last season, Stroll has been comprehensively overshadowed by the two-time F1 champion, even after recovering from a double wrist break that undermined his start to 2023.

This season, with Aston struggling for the results it achieved last year, Alonso has triple the number of points compared to Stroll - 33 to 11.

Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, however, has no doubt Stroll "is incredibly talented and fast", and that he regularly sees signs many are not privy to that mark the Canadian out as a driver who will prove himself at the highest level.

"He's just unreal how much potential he has," said De la Rosa, speaking in an interview with RacingNews365. "When you compare him against Fernando, there are corners where Lance is quicker.

"He's learning a lot with Fernando, they work together very well, and it's just a matter of time before we see the best Lance and a big explosion of talent. The moment he puts everything together, he will be outstanding."

De la Rosa feels Stroll has struggled with this season's AMR24, believing no one "should underestimate how difficult this car is to drive".

'It's a matter of time'

Appreciably, De la Rosa is convinced that a podium could prove transformational for Stroll, as was the case with Alonso last year.

"It gives you that extra confidence," said De la Rosa. "When Fernando had that first podium in Bahrain, after that, he was walking on water. Even a guy like Fernando needs that extra confidence."

De la Rosa believes that with all the support around Stroll, "it's a matter of time" before his fortunes change.

"One thing that people don't realise is how hard Lance works, how much dedication he puts in on the simulator, working with the team, on himself, looking at the data and improving," said De la Rosa.

"That's a sign that has made me understand his potential because I see how hard he works inside the team, and also how well he works with Fernando, how much they talk between them. This is something outstanding.

"They have a great partnership between them and a great trust."