Lance Stroll firmly dismisses "fake news" about his F1 retirement

Lance Stroll has dismissed rumors about his plans to retire from Formula 1, calling them “fake news”. The Canadian, who is set to continue with Aston Martin in 2026, directly addressed the rumors suggesting he had twice asked to quit the sport since the 2023 season.

When asked earlier in the year about those claims, Stroll dismissed them (via PlanetF1.com), saying he “had no plans on doing that” and joking that the commentator “needed something to say.” His statement this weekend doubled down on that stance, as he entirely shut down the speculation with two words during the FIA Press Conference ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.

“Fake news," he said.

The speculation began earlier this year when a Brazilian commentator, live on air during the Dutch Grand Prix, claimed that Stroll had allegedly asked to leave F1 twice but was persuaded to stay by his father and team owner, Lawrence Stroll. The rumor gained traction after Aston Martin’s reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, lent weight to it.

Speaking on the "Na Ponta dos Dedos" podcast, the Brazilian said he had re-signed with the team based on an internal understanding that Lance Stroll might not continue in 2024. Drugovich explained that he had been told there were discussions about potential lineup changes, suggesting the seat might open up.

“They were going to have an opportunity, and they put the contract in front of me to renew for 2024 and 2025. And I said, ‘I’m in the right place, at the right time, let’s go’. And it seemed again, the right time, the right time. And I think it went much closer than everyone thought it did. It was really very close to Lance himself, maybe not continuing in 2024, so it really was,” Drugovich said (via Planet F1).

The move never materialized, and the Brazilian is set to switch to Formula E with Andretti next season.

Despite the noise surrounding his future, Lance Stroll remains contracted to Aston Martin, where he is expected to continue at least until the 2026 regulation overhaul. Recent filings at the UK’s Companies House revealed a substantial upward revision in Stroll’s F1 remuneration after his renewed agreement for 2024.

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Lance Stroll heads into São Paulo GP amid mixed form

Lance Stroll of Aston Martin F1 Team at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. Source: Getty

As the F1 paddock lands in São Paulo for another high-energy Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, Lance Stroll has a crucial chance to steady his recent form. The Interlagos round, featuring a Sprint race and the usual threat of rain, could offer opportunities for surprise results, a factor not lost on the Aston Martin driver.

Stroll enters the weekend 14th in the standings with 30 points, just two behind teammate Fernando Alonso. After a nine-race stretch without a single point mid-season, he managed to recover briefly but has recently struggled again. The team has shifted its development focus to 2026, with Adrian Newey looking at the long-term project rather than the current AMR25 car.

Reflecting on the team’s fluctuating pace in Thursday’s press conference, Lance Stroll said:

“I think there’s just some tracks where the car comes alive. The last few events, it’s been more challenging for us.... Other teams have brought upgrades and improved throughout the course of the year. It’s probably a combination of all that.” (6:47 onwards)

Asked if he was hopeful for Brazil, he remained realistic, saying:

“We’ll see... The weather here is always a factor. You never really know what’s going to happen. If it starts raining, anything is possible... I love coming back here, it’s a great track.” (8:39 onwards)

Interlagos, however, has not been the kindest to Stroll over the years. His only points finish at the circuit came in 2023, when he finished fifth. In his six other starts, he has failed to finish three times.

Edited by Parag Jain