Two Formula 1 drivers, Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez, are facing mounting criticism from prominent pundits who believe they remain in the sport due to financial backing rather than talent.
Lance Stroll, who has competed in over 160 grands prix with teams owned or funded by his billionaire father Lawrence, came under intense scrutiny following his recent performance at the Brazilian GP, where he spun off and got stuck in a gravel trap on the formation lap.
"For me, there are a few things that don't seem right," former F1 driver Timo Glock told Speed Week. "Losing control of the car on the way to the starting grid? Ok, but then sinking it in the gravel like that - really?"
Glock, a vocal critic of the 26-year-old Canadian, was further unsettled by Stroll's approach.
"I'm bothered by this apathy when he steps in front of the reporters' cameras and microphones. There are one or two videos from press conferences, and all you can do is shake your head," Glock added. "This driver is really a laughing stock. For me, there are so many talented people out there who deserve a Formula 1 cockpit more than him."
Former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner echoed Glock's concerns, calling Stroll's formation lap spin at Interlagos a "brain fart" and questioning if Stroll truly wants to compete in F1.
Another driver facing scrutiny is Sergio Perez, as observers question why Red Bull has retained him despite recent struggles to consistently score points. Dutch racing driver Renger van der Zande, part of Ziggo Sport's F1 punditry team, believes sponsorship ties play a role.
"I heard through the grapevine that Perez's sponsor has set up a TV program or series, where it is quite important that Sergio is in Formula 1 with Red Bull next year," he said. "That's one of the reasons why they are still persisting with him."
Bernie Ecclestone, former F1 boss, also weighed in, suggesting that Red Bull should have already replaced Perez with Yuki Tsunoda.
"Then we would know now whether Yuki is really ready for the job next to Max (Verstappen)," Ecclestone told Blick.
