Lance Stroll has labelled his illustrious teammate an “inspiration” ahead of this weekends long-awaited return to the Chinese Grand Prix.

The Canadian was speaking about Fernando Alonso’s contract extension that will see him remain with the team until 2026.

It will be a big year for the sport with a new range of technical regulations set to be introduced into Formula 1.

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The announcement came as a surprise to some with several of the top teams searching for a new driver next season.

Following Hamiltons departure, Alonso was set to play a pivotal role in F1’s ‘silly season’, with many fans hoping to see him alongside Russell in the Mercedes,.

However, Stroll sees it as a positive reflection on the work being done at Aston Martin.

“I think it’s very good news for the team. You know, he’s motivated and I think he’s gelled really well,” he said.
“So yeah, I think it’s positive news.”

Stroll was in awe of his teammates ability to keep racing at the front well into his 40s.

“It is remarkable to see someone like that still having that same enthusiasm, dedication, that will and desire wanting to continue.”

“He’s super motivated and passionate.”

Stroll ‘hasn’t given much thought’ to his future

F1 is set to return to China for the first times since 2019 due to an enforced Covid hiatus.

Stroll hopes that the upgrades planned for the next few races will turn around his own fortunes on track.

Additionally, he hopes to have more “good weekends” like Melbourne.

“It’s very different to last year’s car. We’re not as competitive as we were at the beginning of last year.”
“Which we know, but we have some upgrades coming over the next few races, and hopefully we can get into a position where we are more competitive.” he said.

Stroll currently sits in 10th place in the standings with 9 points. Alonso is two places higher in 8th but only has 24 points himself.

When quizzed about his own future Stroll admitted he hadn’t “given it much thought”.

 “I’m just kind of focused on China right now,” he said.

You can catch all over the action this weekend for the Chinese Grand Prix as F1 returns to Shanghai.

There is the added bonus of a sprint race on Saturday to get us excited for race day.

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