Lance Stroll reflected on his challenging 2023 Formula 1 season, admitting that despite struggles, he couldn’t afford to doubt himself. Throughout the season, Stroll faced the consistent challenge of being outperformed by his teammate Fernando Alonso, who secured eight podium finishes while Stroll’s best result was a fourth place in the Australian GP.
Dealing with the Aston Martin AMR23, Stroll grappled with its dynamics for much of the season. However, he closed the year on a positive note, achieving commendable fifth-place finishes in Brazil and Las Vegas. According to Stroll, these late-season successes were a testament to feeling more at ease with the car, primarily due to alterations that better suited his preferences.
Acknowledging the importance of a comfortable driving platform, Stroll emphasized that when he felt the car was aligning with his driving style and preferences, he could perform at his best. Conversely, during periods when the car’s behavior conflicted with his style, it became challenging to extract peak performance.
Stroll highlighted the necessity for drivers to be in sync with their cars, emphasizing that doubts in such circumstances could adversely impact performance. His perspective centered on the criticality of a comfortable and confident driving experience, recognizing that in Formula 1, achieving competitiveness hinges on this alignment between driver and machine.
