Rumours emerging from the Formula 1 paddock suggest Lawrence Stroll is furious with criticism aimed at his son, Lance Stroll, to the point where he called commentator David Croft.

Lance Stroll is a driver that has been heavily criticised throughout his career. Many have argued that he is only in the sport as his father has owned, or had significant power, in every F1 team he has raced for.

Lawrence Stroll ‘called David Croft’ over Lance Stroll criticism on Sky Sports

Stroll’s Aston Martin machinery has not helped him, especially in 2026, as the team’s Honda engine and chassis under the new regulations have been desperately unreliable.

Stroll has only made it to the chequered flag six times this season. He has openly criticised the regulations and Honda, as he finds himself languishing at the back of the grid.

Yet, despite these limiting circumstances, the 28-year-old is still often scolded by the media and fans for his performances. Now, according to journalist Peter Hardenacke, father Lawrence Stroll has lost patience with the criticism.

Hardenacke noted on that there is a ‘rumour’ in the paddock that Stroll Sr is unhappy with Sky’s English and German broadcasters. He even suggested that the businessman called Croft over it.

“There’s also a rumour from the paddock that Lawrence Stroll is not only dissatisfied with us here and there because of the criticism against Lance Stroll, but also with the colleagues at Sky England,” said Hardenacke.

“He may have even called David Croft, the Sky commentator, to ask what was going on. It’s crazy how you can get so caught up in yourself, isn’t it?

“It would be quite nice to see how unenthusiastic one can be as a Formula 1 driver, but as a Formula 1 person said, he simply likes the lifestyle of being a Formula 1 driver, and that is possibly the reason why he is there.”

Ralf Schumacher also chimed in, saying that the Canadian is simply slower than his teammate, Fernando Alonso. The two-time champion has scored three points for Aston Martin this season, and even broke into Q3 for the first time in Sao Paulo.

Schumacher said: “Lance Stroll, he’s having a tough time too. His problem is that he’s slower than Fernando Alonso, and I think that says it all.

“And I don’t doubt that if his father had made the same emotionally driven decisions in business as he does for his son in Formula 1, he wouldn’t be a billionaire. That much is certain.”

What has David Croft said about Lance Stroll?

It is not entirely clear what specifically Lawrence Stroll would have called Croft for. The commentator has given his opinion on the Aston Martin boss’ son in the past.

During pre-season testing in 2026, Croft told Lawrence Stroll that Lance Stroll does not help himself with his public image, as he is not very open with the media. He is notorious for giving one-word answers and being quite tense in the media pen.

It does nothing to stop people questioning why he is still in F1. In fact, back in 2023, Croft believed that Stroll would leave the sport ‘in a year-and-a-half’s time’.

Fast forward to 2026, and Stroll has a contract with Aston Martin for 2027. It is not surprising in the slightest given his father’s connections, but the criticism has not ceased.