Williams’ deputy team principal Claire Williams says that Lance Stroll has focused on improving his qualifying performances ahead of his second season in Formula 1.
Stroll’s rookie year in 2017 included several strong performances, including becoming the youngest driver to secure a podium with third place in Azerbaijan. Making the most of wet conditions, Stroll also headlined with a front-row start in Italy.
However, he was convincingly beaten 17-2 by Williams team-mate Felipe Massa in the qualifying head-to-head over the course of the year, despite finishing just three points adrift of the Brazilian in the championship.
Claire Williams has highlighted that Stroll has worked to address his qualifying performances in order to make a step forward in his second season.
“His biggest focus over the winter has been with regards to qualifying and making sure he can get that one lap done and nailed in order to make sure he gets a good grid spot,” said Williams.
“If we have a better race car this year, it needs to be in the grid spot that it should be in. So for him, that has been his biggest focus of concentration over the winter and will be moving forward.
“For him, it’s about career progression. Making progress as a driver and becoming an all-rounder.”
Stroll is joined at Williams this season by rookie Sergey Sirotkin, who replaces the hugely experienced but now retired Massa. Williams will need both Stroll and Sirotkin to hit the ground running in 2018, with the midfield spots set to be heavily contested.
“Finishing better than fifth – that would be a result for us” Williams said of the team’s target for the new season, “but it’s going to be really tough out there.
“McLaren with its Renault engine, the Renault’s are looking really good [in testing.] I know it’s early days, but it has put a lot of investment into its infrastructure. It’s going to be a tough year for the teams, certainly for us.
“We have two drivers in Lance and Sergey to look forward to seeing what they can do. I think it’s going to be a great year for all out fans.”
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