Qualifying in Bahrain was quite a hoot, undoubtedly one of the best, and certainly raised our hopes for the season ahead. But one thing that emerged from it was an unlikely hero for many. And no, we’re not talking about Fernando Alonso, but rather his teammate and Aston Martin’s hero, Lance Stroll, who landed a P8 finish in qualifying despite recovering from a wrist injury.

Lance Stroll’s performance on Saturday is being appreciated due to the fact that he’s marking a successful return within two weeks since he underwent surgery. Not only the fans lauded his effort, but his teammate Fernando Alonso and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon were also quick to congratulate the Canadian driver.

The performance also seemed to have marked an epic turnaround from the sport’s fans, who haven’t been easy on the driver over the years, especially after Alonso’s recent praise, mostly because of his father’s immense monetary support. The fans appreciated the drive by Stroll and acknowledged the work that he has put in for his quick comeback.

Lance Stroll gains immense fan support

Aston Martin’s hype-train is no longer being driven by Alonso alone. After Stroll missed out on testing, nothing out of the ordinary was expected of him. While many fans called his fastest lap an underperformance due to Alonso’s P5, they failed to factor in the injury that he has endured.

“Pain Starts Early”: Ferrari’s Blunder About Charles Leclerc in Bahrain Pisses off the Tifosi

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Stroll was supported by fans in the comment section, with a few of them saying, “Hand in hand most underrated driver on the grid”, “the result is actually impressive after his accident” and “Overhated and underrated”.

Other users added their testimony for Stroll’s driving, saying, “I actually became a fan of his after all the hate he got and the amount of times he showed he can drive. Yes he makes mistakes and he’s not a rookie anymore so no excuses but he can drive”, while other added, “Hopefully this will be a season he can show off what he can do and how much he’s improved.”

“Top 10 redemption arcs”,

“After a few years people still hate him juz bcoz her father own the team, he is good in performance especially today when still rcovering from injury. Juz accpt his advantages in F1, @lance_stroll hve the talent and alwys improve. All d best to him for 2023”,

“how do people not like this guy?” were a few of the other expressions of support that he received.

WATCH THIS STORY: An Insight Into Lewis Hamilton’s Dating History

Stroll’s performance during the race will actually determine his ability to drive with a healing wrist. If he does manage to pull off even a points finish, that’ll be enough to prove his talent and skills.