Williams starlet Lance Stroll will make the leap from Euro F3 to Formula 1 for next season. He will be immediately thrust into the spotlight at one of the sport’s most iconic outfits and pitted against the steely Valtteri Bottas meaning the Canadian youngster faces a baptism of fire.
When Max Verstappen’s graduation to the top echelon of motorsport was announced two years ago, it triggered both incredulity and uproar. Since then, however, Verstappen has emphatically dismissed his doubters, smashing the record for youngest Grand Prix winner and breathed life into otherwise processional races with his spectacular aggression in wheel-to-wheel combat.
Though there have been flashes of immaturity, petulantly rejecting team orders at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix and dangerously changing direction under braking, Verstappen has made a statement and has thereby proven that talent, rather than experience, leads to success in Formula 1.
Stroll will need to exhibit such determination and confidence if he too is to justify his team’s leap of faith.
Before discussing the financial rewards on offer for Williams, it is appropriate to examine Stroll’s mightily-impressive track record. Back in 2014, the Canadian clinched his first championship in the Italian Formula 4 series before winning the Toyota Racing series a year later and making his Euro F3 debut.
After finishing fifth in the standings in 2015, Stroll’s performances this term have been nothing short out outstanding. In thirty races, he has racked up 14 wins and 14 pole positions, finishing 185 points clear of his nearest challenger Maximilian Gunther, accelerated his passage to Formula 1 and see him bypass GP2 and GP3, the sport’s traditional feeder series.
Perhaps more tellingly, under fresh scrutiny amid speculation of a promotion to Williams, he rounded out the campaign with five consecutive victories, a tantalising glimpse of what he can do.
The Grove outfit has been linked with a number of drivers since failing in their all-too-public pursuit of Jenson Button, including Sergio Perez and highly-rated Mercedes prodigy Pascal Wehrlein, but have identified Stroll as the successor for veteran Felipe Massa.
Their decision is suggestive either of a pressing need for funds or genuine faith that the teenager will deliver the goods. Unlike Sauber or Manor, with all due respect to their recent drivers, Williams do not need a so-called ‘pay driver’ to stay afloat, though an injection of funds will no doubt aid their efforts to stay in touch with the front-runners, meaning the second option is the more likely.
This is a team who have been in F1 for nearly 30 years, won nine Constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships and defied their comparatively minimal budget to challenge the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari in recent years. In short, they know what they’re doing.
That said, Stroll’s deep pockets have no doubt boosted his chances relative to the other candidates. The Canadian is backed by his billionaire father, offering Williams an irresistible combination of promise and financial reward. He does not, though, enter Formula 1 having to shake the tag of a ‘pay driver’; instead, he needs to repay the team’s faith.
Speaking after wrapping up the F3 title with a round to spare, Stroll declared himself ready for the substantial step-up: “My goal is Formula 1 and that is what I am working on. This car is great, but I have also noticed that the Formula 3 European Championship is a very good way to prepare for Formula 1 – I feel that I am ready for this challenge.”
What, then, would constitute a successful rookie campaign for Stroll? It may well hinge upon Williams’ competitiveness. Locked in a battle with Force India for fourth in the standings, the team have lost touch with the leading trio of Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari, and McLaren’s anticipated resurgence could well nudge them further down the running order. In that instance, consistent points finishes would be enough to satisfy the Williams hierarchy. If they hold station, however, he will need some eye-catching results.
Beating Valtteri Bottas, among the sport’s most respected drivers, would frankly be heroic, but occasionally out-qualifying the Finn and holding his own on a Sunday would certainly suffice.
During the United States Grand Prix weekend, images emerged of the Canadian testing the 2014 Williams at Monza, dispelling any doubts over his imminent promotion, while his father has also confirmed that the deal is effectively done.
Stroll is set to be confirmed as Bottas’ teammate after this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, with the team envisaging disputes with title sponsors Martini had they signed the contracts before he turned 18.
Thereafter, he will be fully focused on preparing for his F1 bow, and his superb efforts in the junior formulae suggest he has the talent to be an instant success. However, he must combine his raw speed with a maturity beyond his tender years, both on and off the race track, if he is to establish himself as a future world champion.
