F1 Driver Labeled a 'Disgrace' After Disastrous Brazilian.....

F1 Driver Labeled a ‘Disgrace’ After Disastrous Brazilian…..read more

An F1 driver has come under heavy criticism following a disastrous performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with some calling his actions “a disgrace.” Aston Martin endured a tough weekend in Sao Paulo, with both drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, involved in significant crashes during a chaotic Sunday morning qualifying session. These incidents meant the team faced a tough battle to get their cars ready for the race, which would take place just a few hours later.

Despite the setbacks, Aston Martin worked diligently to repair both cars and managed to get Alonso and Stroll onto the starting grid for the race. However, Stroll’s performance was one of the main talking points of the weekend. On the formation lap, Stroll lost control of his car, spinning out and eventually driving it intentionally into a gravel trap. After attempting to rejoin the track, his car became stuck in the gravel, forcing him to retire from the race before it even began.

Alonso, meanwhile, also struggled with his car’s setup, enduring a difficult race weekend marked by a bouncy car and back pain. Despite these challenges, the two-time world champion managed to finish the race in 14th position in difficult, wet conditions. Alonso expressed his relief at completing the race, given the physical toll the car was taking on him and the overall challenging nature of the weekend.

The drama didn’t end with Stroll’s early exit. His car being stuck in the gravel led to an aborted start of the race, causing confusion on the grid. The situation was so chaotic that even McLaren’s Lando Norris was penalized for not following proper starting procedures, adding to the confusion and disarray during the race’s opening moments.

The performance of both Aston Martin drivers—particularly Stroll—has since sparked debate in the F1 world. Former F1 team manager and journalist Peter Windsor didn’t hold back when discussing Stroll’s performance. Appearing on the Cameron Cc YouTube channel, Windsor slammed Stroll for his dismal display, calling him “a disgrace.” Windsor expressed frustration that Aston Martin didn’t choose to replace Stroll with the team’s reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, who was waiting in the garage.

Windsor said, “Well, Stroll was just a disgrace, wasn’t he? To have Felipe Drugovich in the garage… when I saw Oliver Bearman racing instead of Kevin Magnussen, who could have done very well, I thought, ‘Yes, maybe now Aston Martin will have the brains to put Drugovich in the car.’ But they didn’t, and there’s Stroll, who might as well have not turned up at all in Brazil. Aston Martin might as well not have been there.” Windsor’s comments reflect growing frustration among fans and pundits alike, who have questioned Stroll’s performance and whether he deserves to retain his seat at Aston Martin.

Felipe Drugovich, the team’s reserve driver, had already participated in an official F1 session during the Mexican Grand Prix practice in October. The 2022 Formula 2 champion, who has been waiting for his F1 chance since winning the title in the junior series, was left on the sidelines in Brazil while Stroll’s poor performance continued. Many felt it was a missed opportunity for Drugovich to showcase his skills, especially considering the difficulties Stroll had throughout the weekend. However, Stroll and Alonso both signed new contracts with Aston Martin for the 2024 season, ensuring that Drugovich’s wait for a race seat will continue for now.

Despite Stroll’s troubles, Aston Martin is still regarded as a team on the rise in F1, having made significant progress in recent seasons. However, the pressure is mounting on both Stroll and the team as they aim to perform at a higher level next season. Stroll’s position in the team could come under scrutiny as the year progresses, particularly if his performances continue to fall short of expectations.

As for Drugovich, his hopes of stepping into an F1 seat anytime soon appear slim, given the team’s commitment to Alonso and Stroll for the coming season. However, with the uncertainty that often surrounds F1, especially in terms of driver performance and potential changes, the Brazilian driver will undoubtedly continue to be a name to watch, hoping for an opportunity to prove himself on the grandest stage of motorsport.