“Incredible fighter” Lance Stroll handed crucial backing by Aston Martin boss

Lance Stroll has been issued with strong backing by the Aston Martin team boss ahead of the 2024 F1 season.

Stroll has often been one of the more scrutinised drivers on the grid, and came under the spotlight even more last season due to the team’s impressive performances through his teammate Fernando Alonso.

Stroll, whose father Lawrence Stroll owns the team, has been credited for battling back from injuries suffered in a cycling accident a year ago, when he drove in Bahrain despite clear pain.

Team principal Mike Krack said about Stroll’s ability to Sky: “We have already seen some glimpses of it.

“We saw an incredible fighter last year with his substantial injury.

“Also, towards the end of the year, when we provide a car which he can extract, which suits his abilities, he brings results.

“We had fantastic results at the end of the season.

“It’s up to us to provide the tools, to provide the hardware. Then the results will come.”

Stroll added: “It’s good to be in one piece, and to feel strong.

“This time last year was tricky and the first part of the year was not easy with that injury.

“I’m locking myself in my apartment and being careful!

“The car was strong at the beginning of last season. When it was at its best, I wasn’t at 100%.”

Stroll will again team up with the esteemed Alonso this season.

He said: “I am always competitive with it.

“I want to beat whoever is my teammate. We’re all competitive in this sport.

“He’s an incredible talent with a lot of experience.

“I want to kick some butt, for sure! That’s the plan.”

Stroll finished 10th in the 2023 F1 standings.

He finished fourth in Australia early in the year, before his season peaked with consecutive fifth-place finishes in Brazil and Las Vegas.

But he created controversy by shoving his engineer in Qatar in frustration at a fourth consecutive Q1 exit.