Lance Stroll aims to capitalize on a strong finish to the 2023 Formula 1 season as he looks ahead to the upcoming year. The Canadian driver faced challenges at the start of the season due to a cycling accident that resulted in wrist fractures and forced him to miss pre-season testing. While Stroll’s struggles were somewhat overshadowed by his teammate Fernando Alonso’s success, he managed to secure four top-10 finishes and two top-five finishes in the final five races of the season. Reflecting on the previous year, Stroll acknowledges the difficulties but remains focused on building upon the positives.
Aston Martin also experienced a slump in the middle of the 2023 season, falling behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. Technical Director Dan Fallows has outlined the goals for the AMR24, describing it as a “strong evolution” of last year’s car. The team aims to create a car with a wider operating range on different types of circuits and the ability to incorporate upgrades throughout the year. Stroll shares Fallows’ enthusiasm for the AMR24 and emphasizes the importance of continuous development throughout the season.
Stroll acknowledges that it is challenging to pinpoint specific improvements needed from the car before the season begins. He believes that pre-season testing will provide valuable insights and allow the team to make necessary adjustments to enhance their performance.
Stroll’s struggles for performance last year were greatly influenced by the comparison to his highly experienced teammate Alonso, who finished the year with a 134-point advantage. The team’s principal, Mike Krack, has previously acknowledged that Stroll’s best period of good form was overshadowed by an injury at the beginning of the season. Stroll himself admitted that while Alonso was consistently faster throughout the year, luck also played a role in their performances. He stated, “I prefer not to attribute it to luck, but we faced a significant amount of misfortune last year. This made things more challenging, especially when we were fighting for favorable positions. Technical issues plagued us in many races, and things simply didn’t go our way.” Looking ahead to the future, Stroll is determined to return in 2024 with improved physical strength and has set ambitious goals for the upcoming season. He expressed, “I constantly reflect on how I can improve and be better. Each year in Formula One is unique and depends on various factors, including the performance of the car. My hope is that we can compete for significant results this year, accumulate numerous points, strive for podium finishes, and secure a victory in the iconic green color.”
According to the Source motorsportweek.com