Lance Stroll is facing increased scrutiny as he heads into his home race, the Canadian Grand Prix, with many questioning if 2024 might mark his last year in Formula 1.
Although his teammate Fernando Alonso has secured a contract for 2025 and 2026, there has been silence regarding the 24-year-old Stroll's future. Team principal Mike Krack has expressed satisfaction with both drivers, yet no commitments have been made public for Stroll.
His performance has notably lagged behind Alonso's this season, fueling speculation that his father, team owner Lawrence Stroll, may consider replacing him with Honda-affiliated Yuki Tsunoda for 2025 and beyond.
"How much longer will Lance Stroll last?" blared a headline in Le Journal de Montreal.
The paper's correspondent, Francois-David Rouleau, has been openly critical of Stroll, noting that the driver does "absolutely nothing to attract the sympathy of his many detractors who have been on his back."
"The reality is as gigantic as an elephant in a luxury car garage," Rouleau continued. "Without his father, Stroll would not be behind that wheel."
When queried about the ongoing rumors in Montreal, Stroll conceded: "Seems to be a pretty popular question that I've been getting asked recently. Yeah, that's where my head's at, for sure," he stated, affirming his desire to continue racing beyond 2024.
"It's definitely in my mind to continue being a part of it, but really focused on Montreal this weekend to enjoy my home race and try to have a good result."