Nico Rosberg Criticizes Lance Stroll: Could Fernando Alonso’s F1 Legacy Be in Danger

Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 world champion, has recently criticized Lance Stroll, alleging that the Canadian’s performance could cloud assessments of Fernando Alonso’s true abilities. Rosberg made these remarks during a live broadcast at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, igniting discussions about the skill disparities between Stroll and Alonso.

Nico Rosberg’s Take on Alonso’s Performance

Rosberg’s criticism centers on the fact that Alonso, despite being 44 years old, has been repeatedly outperforming Stroll throughout the 2025 season. Alonso has accumulated 48 points in a less competitive Aston Martin, consistently qualifying ahead of his teammate.

This situation prompts serious questions regarding Alonso’s potential to secure a significant 33rd career victory with upcoming changes in regulations set for 2026, along with the renowned design expertise of Adrian Newey.

The Comparison to Other Drivers

Rosberg pointed out that Alonso does not have a teammate of the same caliber as Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, or Lando Norris. He stated, “Fernando doesn’t have a level of teammate like Charles Leclerc, ok? Or Max Verstappen, yeah?” This indicates that judging Alonso’s skills is challenging due to the contrasting talent in the paddock.

• Critique: Alonso’s performance is hard to judge due to Stroll’s underwhelming results.
• Comparison: Lewis Hamilton faces tougher competition, enhancing his accomplishments.

The Future for Alonso and Stroll

Alonso’s career, which began in 2001 with Minardi, boasts two world championships and a remarkable number of race entries. However, his last victory was at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, raising concerns about his ability to capture a third title.

Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin extends through next season, with hints that his future depends on the team’s competitiveness. He has expressed that if Aston Martin can provide a car capable of winning races by 2026, he would consider retiring gracefully. In contrast, if the performance does not improve, he may choose to remain in the sport longer.

The Implications of New Regulations

With the introduction of new regulations on the horizon, the pressure mounts on Alonso to deliver results. Will he prove Rosberg’s skepticism wrong? The upcoming season holds great promise for both Alonso and Stroll, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in Formula 1.