Williams hints Stroll will stay in 2019
- Published on 06 Jun 2018 09:27
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- By: Jeroen Jonkers
Even amid the team's disastrous 2018 season, Williams is happy with Lance Stroll.
That is the claim of Claire Williams, the deputy boss of the once-great British team that is now dead last in the world championship.
Canadian Stroll has arrived home to Montreal warning his fans he cannot deliver a good result.
"The car is just not competitive," he said.
"We are working on all of the parts to improve the package and be able to fight for the points again, but it takes time," said Stroll.
"I am doing everything I can to improve the car and I intend to continue working this way all season long."
Stroll, still just 19, has taken flak in the press this year, not just because of his 'pay driver' status but because of his attitude amid Williams' crisis.
But Claire Williams backed the young Canadian.
"He has worked very hard to improve the points he had to improve," she said.
"He's under a lot of pressure, getting criticism that is not deserved and I think he's showing tremendous maturity in dealing with all of it.
"I am very proud of the work he has done for us and I hope that we will soon be able to give him a car that will allow him to show his full potential. I honestly believe he has a great career ahead of him in F1," Williams added.
It sounds as though Williams, arguably relying on the millions brought not only by Stroll's father Lawrence but also teammate Sergey Sirotkin, is not shopping around for a new driver.
Williams said of Stroll: "We're not talking about a contract yet, but we think Lance has lived up to our expectations so far and we do not like to separate from drivers without good reason."
The team will at least get a boost in Canada in the form of Mercedes' new-specification engine.
"In principle we could benefit from the engine, but I prefer to wait until we're on track to say," Stroll warned.
"So far this season we have sometimes progressed and sometimes regressed, so I just hope the next step will be positive."
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Replies (8)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Neither you OR the car is competitive, dear Stroll. Blame the car all you want, maybe if you do it enough, you'll be able to find the last drop of effort and skill you have left to do a good job.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I suppose it makes sense that Williams has met their expectations, especially considering the level at which Williams have been performing . Mediocrity is the current standard
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
That feeling, when Sauber has a more competitive lineup than you, and you are Williams Martini Racing... Son...
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Williams will soon cease to exist with that kind of decision-making. The car may suck (it does) but a lot of that falls back on Stroll too. He's a mediocre driver at best, and while he unquestionably brings a lot of dough to the table, I think Williams are being penny wise, and pound foolish by keeping him on for the rest of 2018, much less 2019.
krommenaas
Posts: 155
Maybe they don't even have a choice. Maybe it's take Stroll's millions or go bankrupt. We don't know.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Maybe, but if they've put themselves in that position, then they deserve their fate. They are truly just postponing the inevitable, if that's were they're at.
If they really depends on Stroll's millions, it is what it is. But the fact that they put another rookie who is questionable at best in the car is the kicker. And as far as I know he didn't bring an outrageous check with him. He payed a pretty penny, but it wasn't THAT much more than what a competent driver could've brought in sponsorships, not to mention prize money etc.
rjagiu
Posts: 2
Dear Williams F1 Team
Give the car to Robert Kubica for one race and he will tell you what need to be done...
Freguz
Posts: 160
Maybe Kubica doesnt want to drive it as it is right now...