Schumacher tears into Stroll for ‘unacceptable’ Silverstone tirade

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher says that Lance Stroll’s disparaging comments on his Aston Martin car at the end of the recent British Grand Prix were “an absolute no-go” that showed little respect for his hard-working team.

The Silverstone-based outfit’s home race was meant to be a celebration – and on the surface, it was. Lance Stroll wrestled his way through the changeable weather and tricky track conditions to finish seventh, ahead of his esteemed teammate Fernando Alonso and right in the thick of the points.

But the mood shifted dramatically on the cool-down lap when Stroll – congratulated by his race engineer Gary Gannon – lashed out over team radio, calling his car “the worst piece of sh** I’ve ever driven in my life.”

The outburst quickly reverberated through the paddock, and drew drawn sharp criticism from Schumacher, who questioned Stroll’s professionalism and even how he was raised.

"Completely unacceptable - an absolute no-go"

Schumacher, a six-time Grand Prix winner, didn’t hold back in his analysis on Sky Deutschland. While acknowledging Stroll’s ability to perform in challenging conditions, he took issue with the driver’s demeanor and choice of words.

“We’re criticised for often being too harsh on him, and that may be true sometimes, because we’ve seen that you have to be able to drive in difficult conditions, and he basically does that.”

But the 26-year-old’s expletive-laden rant struck a nerve with Michael Schumacher’s brother, particularly given the timing: a hard-fought result at the team’s home race, with Aston Martin staff and their families gathered in celebration outside the factory.

“I have to say, that statement is very disappointing, and quite honestly, it’s a question of upbringing,” Schumacher said bluntly.

“You have to imagine the external impact. The mechanics work day in and day out so that those two can race, and then the boss’s son comes along and says that.

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“I have to say, that’s completely unacceptable – an absolute no-go. It’s unspeakable and indicates a poor upbringing. I really don’t know what movie he’s living in, but it’s a shame to ruin his own result like that.

“It was a big celebration at the Aston Martin factory, they set up a big tent in front of the factory. And they are important points for the team, which come with important bonuses for the mechanics and the staff.

“When the person who does the race ruins it like that, you have to say ‘sit down, son, and apologise to the team.’”

A Rare Bright Spot in a Tough Season

Stroll, long criticised as a “pay driver” due to his status as the son of Aston Martin team owner and billionaire Lawrence Stroll, has occasionally shown flashes of brilliance – especially in chaotic or wet conditions, as was the case at Silverstone.

After qualifying a dismal 18th on Saturday at Silverstone, the Canadian surged through the field as rain hit mid-race, even running as high as third at one stage.

But as the circuit dried and tyre degradation kicked in, his pace evaporated, and he tumbled down the order, passed by Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton, and then by Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly in the final two laps of the race.

Even so, finishing seventh and outscoring Alonso – who crossed the line ninth – was a rare bright spot in a tough season for Stroll. But instead of celebrating the comeback, his post-race remarks drew the spotlight to his conduct rather than his driving.

Sky’s Schumacher, while careful to acknowledge the complexities of comparing Stroll to a driver of Alonso’s calibre — “It’s hard to say how well or how badly he’s doing, compared to Fernando Alonso, who’s reached a certain age but is still doing a great job” — clearly drew the line at the younger driver’s poor attitude.

With Aston Martin still searching for consistency amid a rocky development path for their AMR25, the last thing the team needed was internal friction – particularly in such a public form.

Schumacher’s final verdict was blunt: “It’s a shame.”

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