Former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that his compatriot Lance Stroll is worthy of his chance but has work to do to shake off his image as a ‘pay’ driver.
The 18-year-old son of fashion entrepreneur Lawrence Stroll will partner Felipe Massa at Williams for 2017 having initially been chosen as the replacement for the Brazilian.
Despite winning every racing category since he started single-seater racing in 2014, passing the FIA superlicence points requirements, many still question if he is in F1 on merit or because of his financial backing.
“Definitely he will have to prove himself even more and he knows that,” Villeneuve said.
“It is just a general attitude that in people’s minds that if you have money you cannot have talent which is not true.
“The two are not linked, the money gives you the opportunity, but it then depends what you are made off,”
“Obviously when you get through the ranks with money you get the best opportunities which is great so you don’t burn yourself, but also you don’t suffer as much in certain situations and all that learning you will have to do in F1 rather than other formulas.”
Villeneuve is impressed by Stroll’s quick advances through the junior formulae, as well his upbeat character and personality and is confident he can succeed in F1.
“He is super quick, very talented and the few times I met him at the race track last year I was very impressed with his attitude.” added Villeneuve.
“He seemed to have the right mental makeup to make it. So right now I am quite positive on his possibilities.”
