Damon Hill really impressed with 25-year-old F1 driver, he’s seen an ‘uptick’ in his performances

Follow us on Google Discover

Damon Hill has admitted that he’s been seriously impressed by the recent form of Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll.

Hill joined the commentary team on Sky Sports F1 for the final practice session of the weekend.

The preparations for this weekend’s race have been far from ideal for the Formula 1 grid.

Half the pack had to give up their cars in FP1 to rookies before a heavily disrupted second practice session.

It meant there was plenty of work to do in FP3, although the temperature of the track was very different to qualifying and the race itself meaning there were still a few unknown variables.

Hill has admitted that Lance Stroll’s recent form has impressed him after back-to-back fifth places.

It’s helped him move into the top ten of the Drivers’ Championship with the two Alpines breathing down his neck.

However, he’s got work to do in Sunday’s race after a difficult qualifying session.

The Aston Martin didn’t look like a top-half car with Fernando Alonso doing well to finish seventh while Stroll was eliminated in Q2.

He will be looking to at least break into the points from 13^th which will be easier said than done after admitting there were still weaknesses with his car going into this weekend.

As Hill has said, Stroll’s recent form, especially on the first lap of races, means he has every chance of achieving that.

Hill raves about Stroll’s recent form

Speaking about the fortunes of Mike Krack’s team, Hill said: “You did say Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso but I think Lance Stroll is on a little bit of a roll.

“I think his performances have gone on the uptick towards the end of the season so let’s not discount that.”

Stroll’s spot on the grid isn’t going to be in any danger any time soon considering his father’s position within the team.

However, unless he can get closer to Alonso in the driver’s standings there will eventually be questions asked.

As Hill has suggested, Stroll’s recent form has shown that when the car is performing well, he’s capable of challenging at the front.

Alonso is a different animal though and can drive the wheels off that car even when the track doesn’t necessarily suit Aston Martin.

It’s harsh to expect the Canadian to reach that level but he needs to close the gap on his more experienced teammate in 2024.