Lance Stroll says he was happy to be ‘patient’ throughout his home race in Canada in order to score his first world championship points after a tactical battle with numerous drivers.
Having started the race towards the back of the grid in 17th place, the 18-year old kept a cool head and utilised the strengths of his Williams FW40 to battle through the pack and finish in ninth place.
“I am just happy for myself, for the team, for everyone,” Stroll said.
“The balance of the car was good all race. I was in a flow. I knew we had good straight line speed in the Williams. I chose my overtakes at the right times, sometimes I could have done them a lap earlier.
“It was a bit risky so I did it a lap later and stayed patient.
At certain points in the race, the young Canadian looked tentative in some of his overtaking moves, most notably when trying to pass the McLaren of Stoffel Vandoorne on the back straight, despite this the Williams rookie kept his nose clean and ensured he stayed focused.
“We just stayed cool-headed and took it to the end and P9. It was about things falling into place and getting everything to work with no issues and being able to do the pace we know how to do.
“It means the world to me being able to finish a race in the points and be able to see those Canadian flags up in the air at my race.”
Williams chief technical officer Paddy Lowe also gave his plaudits to Stroll on his first points, now believing he can start finding the confidence to help him push forward through his rookie season.
“A huge congratulations to Lance,” Lowe added.
“He’s the first Canadian in Formula 1 since Jacques Villeneuve, and now he’s scored his first points at his home race. It’s a great story. Given the difficult start Lance has had to his Formula 1 career, this feels like a race win to us.
“It was an incredible drive. He showed some fantastic race-craft, great overtaking and he really earned those points today. From 17th on the grid up to ninth, including a battle with a double world champion, which he took in his stride.
“I think today’s result will boost his confidence going forward and will give him some real momentum.”
