Rival Formula 1 teams often treat Lance Stroll with "disrespect" and "unfairness," according to Aston Martin boss Mike Krack.
Krack has highlighted that both within and outside the F1 paddock, there are ongoing suggestions that Stroll, 25, does not merit his place on the grid.
The Canadian driver is the son of billionaire team owner Lawrence Stroll, adding extra pressure on Lance, according to Krack.
"I do think he puts a lot of pressure on himself," Krack told Auto Motor und Sport. "But you have to understand that when he has such a strong teammate."
"On top of that, there is this whole project that was built around him. And the way he deals with it is exemplary. It is certainly not easy," Krack added.
Some voices within F1 argue that Aston Martin should begin to move away from Lance Stroll, especially with the recent re-signing of Fernando Alonso for the new rules era in 2026.
Yuki Tsunoda and Honda have expressed their desire to remain united in Formula 1 beyond the end of the Japanese manufacturer's current Red Bull era.
"In the end, we need an available seat for Aston Martin if they're keen to support me from 2026 onwards," Tsunoda, currently at Red Bull's junior outfit RB, told F1's official website.
Krack addressed the fact that midfield teams and drivers often joke about being in a constant battle with Stroll for the final championship point at each grand prix.
"In my opinion, that is disrespectful," the Aston Martin team boss stated. "And also unfair."
"If you look at his development in recent years, he handled the duel with Sebastian (Vettel) well. He has also done well against Fernando."
"We do still need to get a bit more consistency. We need to work on that," Krack admitted. "But I find that statement disrespectful, even if in an environment like Formula 1, I can understand it."
There have also been suggestions that Stroll is unusually shielded from criticism by his team.
"No, not at all," Krack insists. "Criticism does happen. But like with Fernando, we don't voice the criticism in public."
"The Lance we know in the team is a different Lance than the one that may exist in the public eye. That is one of the reasons why we have to stand up for him when criticism comes from the outside."
"He is a very hard worker. He doesn't just fly in and get into the racing car, as would be the cliché," Krack emphasized.
