Lawrence Stroll reportedly called David Croft over Lance criticism

A paddock rumour has put Lawrence Stroll at the centre of a dispute over criticism of his son Lance Stroll, with a Sky Germany journalist suggesting the Aston Martin owner may have contacted Sky commentator David Croft. No details of any call have been confirmed, and it remains unclear what prompted the reported approach.

Peter Hardenacke raised the claim on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast. He said there was talk in the paddock that Lawrence Stroll was unhappy with criticism from broadcasters in both Germany and England, and that he may have called Croft.

The rumour follows years of scrutiny of Lance Stroll’s place in Formula 1. Critics have questioned whether his family’s influence has helped keep him in the sport, while concerns about his commitment have also been aired. The source of the latest report did not establish that Lawrence Stroll had made contact with Croft.

Aston Martin’s difficult season adds to the debate

Stroll’s results have drawn attention amid a difficult campaign for Aston Martin. The team’s Honda engine and chassis have suffered reliability problems under the new regulations, and Lance has reached the finish only six times this season. He has also criticised the regulations and Honda as he runs near the back of the field.

Those circumstances have not stopped media and fans from challenging his performances. The contrast with team-mate Fernando Alonso has been another focus: Ralf Schumacher said Lance was slower than the two-time champion. Alonso has scored three points this season and reached Q3 for the first time in São Paulo.

Stroll’s continuation with the team has also featured in coverage of Aston Martin’s 2027 driver line-up. The debate around his public image has drawn attention too, including a separate backlash over a video involving Lando Norris.

Croft has previously criticised Stroll’s media approach

The specific comments that may have led to the rumoured call are not known. Croft has previously discussed Stroll’s relationship with the media, telling Lawrence during 2026 pre-season testing that Lance’s limited openness with reporters was not helping his public image. The Canadian is known for brief answers and a tense manner in media sessions.

Croft had also predicted in 2023 that Stroll could leave Formula 1 within a year and a half. Instead, Lance has a contract with Aston Martin for 2027. Schumacher, meanwhile, questioned whether Lawrence’s decisions about his son were driven by emotion, contrasting them with the businessman’s success in business.

For now, the suggested call remains paddock speculation, rather than a confirmed exchange between Lawrence Stroll and Croft.