Williams confirms Stroll for 2017posted in F103 | 11 | 2016
WILLIAM HAS CONFIRMED Lance Stroll will make his Formula 1 racing debut with the team in 2017. The 18-year-old Canadian, who won this year’s Formula 3 European Championship, will partner Valtteri Bottas.
Stroll, whose father Lawrence is a billionaire having invited in clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger, replaces Felipe Massa who will retire at the end of this season.
A former Ferrari junior, Stroll joined Williams’ young driver development programme 12 months ago. During that time he carried out extensive simulator work focusing on his 2016 F3 Euro bid.
That commitment delivered dividends when he took the title in dominant style with 14 race wins and 17 front-row starts, 14 from pole position.
Stroll has also tested a 2014-spec Williams in testing to familiarise himself with F1 technology before entering the his first grand prix next March.
Related: VW confirms departure from WRC
“To be racing in Formula One in 2017 is incredible, I can’t thank Williams enough for showing faith in my ability,” Stroll said today. “Racing in F1 was something I dreamt about as a young kid. When I began karting seriously, F1 was then the ultimate goal and especially when I started racing cars in 2014.
“Next year is going to be a big learning curve for me, but I’m eager to absorb everything Williams can share with me so that I improve. I’ll be taking things on a race-by-race, lap-by-lap basis and hopefully progress with experience like I did when I entered Formula 4 and then Formula 3.
“I believe contesting the FIA European Formula 3 Championship for the past two years has prepared me well for the step up. There are many elements for me to learn and I’m still young.
“I’ve been experiencing a 2014-spec Williams FW36 since August, which has gone very well. The power is incredible. I’m learning about the car, the incredible downforce, DRS and tyre management, finding a rhythm and finding the limit. I’m becoming more comfortable and confident with each run.
Related: Rod Stewart's Lamborghini sells for £909,000
“I’ve enjoyed success in karting, F4, Toyota Racing Series and most recently F3 — winning every category I’ve competed in — so I believe I have earned a shot in F1. I’m very thankful to everyone who has helped me to reach this level.”
The news was welcomed by Claire Williams, deputy team principal.
“Lance has impressed our engineers with his maturity, talent and enthusiasm,” she said. “We are pleased to be able to offer him the opportunity to step up and show what he can do in Formula One, after proving a dominant force in all the categories he has raced in so far.
“He is still young, and we looking forward to seeing him develop as a driver. Williams has a great record of introducing young drivers to Formula One, who have achieved great results, and we hope this will be the start of a long successful career for Lance as well.”
Today’s announcement comes just three days after Sir Frank Williams left the Oxford hospital he’s been in for almost two months. Sir Frank has been receiving treatment for pneumonia since returning to the UK after the Italian Grand Prix weekend on September 4.
Related: Williams finished 8th & 9th in Mexico GP
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill