Timo Glock doesn’t think £1.5m-a-year driver deserves his F1 seat after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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The Sao Paulo Grand Prix proved to be one of the most challenging Formula 1 races of the season.

If Max Verstappen hadn’t already proved his championship credentials in a year where he’s not had the fastest car since the Miami Grand Prix, he certainly did at Interlagos.

The Dutchman came from 17th on the grid during Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix to win comfortably from both Alpine drivers.

Lando Norris saw his faint championship hopes fade away after the final red flag of the day left him trailing Verstappen after he chose to change his tyres while the Red Bull stayed out.

He made an error on the final restart of the day and could only finish sixth during a race where consistency and keeping your car on track were the most important attributes a driver could have.

Five red flags during qualifying caused chaos with both Aston Martin and Williams driver and Carlos Sainz all crashing as they pushed their cars to the limit through torrential rain.

Lance Stroll brought out a red flag at the end of Q2 that cost Verstappen a chance of reaching the top-ten shootout and caused some controversy as stewards didn’t stop the session for more than 40 seconds while he was stranded next to the barrier.

Aston Martin did a brilliant job in repairing Stroll and Fernando Alonso’s cars but the Canadian didn’t even start the race.

Timo Glock was commentating on the race for Sky Germany and admitted that the £1.5m-a-year driver simply doesn’t deserve his seat on the grid.

Timo Glock doesn’t think Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll deserve his F1 seat

Stroll managed to qualify 10th after setting a time fast enough for Q3 before his crash.

However, just four corners into the formation lap, Stroll had a bizarre spin that left him stranded in the runoff area.

The 26-year-old tried to get going again, but attempted to re-join the track by driving through the gravel and eventually got beached.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Reflecting not just on Stroll’s error but also his general demeanour in the paddock, Glock said: “There are one or two videos from the press conference that make you shake your head.

“It really leaves you speechless, I have to say.

“There are many talented players out there who would have deserved the spot more.”

Aston Martin linked with several drivers but would they replace Lance Stroll?

Team principal Mike Krack will be concerned that during race runs, Aston Martin appeared to be on a similar level to Sauber despite their decent qualifying performance on Sunday before both cars crashed out.

The team have been going backwards and reverted to installing the same floor that the car used at the Japanese Grand Prix in April.

Damon Hill praised Alonso after he drove through significant pain to complete the race to thank the mechanics who rebuilt his car so quickly between sessions.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Stroll wasn’t able to match that feat, but his father Lawrence Stroll owns the team, and his seat is seemingly safe until he no longer wants to race in F1.

With Adrian Newey, Honda power units and a new set of regulations on the horizon, Stroll will hope he’s given the chance to drive in a race-winning car in 2026.

However, Aston Martin have been linked with several drivers this season that could threaten his F1 future.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Honda connections make him an option for Aston Martin and his prospects of ever driving for Red Bull look slim despite having spent four seasons with their junior team.

Aston Martin are also very interested in Max Verstappen, but if either driver were hired, it still feels more likely that Alonso would be the man to make way.