Former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde has drawn a parallel between Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll, noting similarities in their current Formula 1 situations. The comparison extends beyond their on-track performance, focusing on their perspectives regarding the sport’s direction and their activities outside of Grand Prix racing.
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is reportedly experiencing frustration with the internal stability at Red Bull Racing during the 2026 season. Van der Garde has predicted that Verstappen may depart Red Bull before his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who is set to join McLaren in a senior management role in 2028.
The Dutch driver’s concerns stem from Red Bull’s competitive trajectory, which has reportedly taken a step backward over the winter period. Verstappen seeks a car capable of winning races and titles, indicating a potential desire for a change after the current season.
Beyond team dynamics, Verstappen has also voiced significant criticism regarding the 2026 Formula 1 cars. He has expressed being ‘fed up’ with repeatedly highlighting the difficulties of driving them and their lack of excitement.
Verstappen believes many other drivers share his sentiments about the current regulations but are unable to speak out due to contractual obligations. This shared dissatisfaction with the technical direction of F1 forms a key part of Van der Garde’s comparison.
Lance Stroll, the Aston Martin driver, has echoed similar criticisms of the 2026 regulations. He described the current F1 cars as ‘1000 times worse’ to drive than Formula 3 machinery.
Stroll believes Formula 1 is heading in the wrong direction with its increased reliance on electric power and reduced downforce. He has also suggested that many fellow drivers agree with his views.
A notable commonality between Verstappen and Stroll is their engagement in GT racing during the 2026 season. Verstappen has been competing in Mercedes-AMG machinery with his own team throughout the year.
Stroll also participated in the opening round of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Circuit Paul Ricard in April. This move occurred during an F1 calendar break, sparking speculation about his long-term commitment to Formula 1.
Sources close to Stroll suggest he, much like Verstappen, is a ‘true devotee’ of racing, eager to drive anything with four wheels as often as possible. This shared passion for motorsport beyond F1 underscores Van der Garde’s observation of their similar situations.
