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Force India officially confirm Stroll for 2019

  • Published on 30 Nov 2018 15:02
  • 3
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Force India has officially announced that Lance Stroll will join the team for the 2019 season alongside Sergio Perez. The Canadian has long been linked with the Silverstone squad, ever since his father purchased the team over the summer break after it fell into administration.

Stroll had his first outing for the team at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, driving the VJM11 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The upcoming season will be Stroll's third in F1, having spent the last two years at Williams.

“This is the beginning of an incredibly exciting journey in my Formula 1 career," he said. "I look forward to working alongside a successful team with a great culture. It’s a new challenge and I am excited to embrace this new opportunity!”

The 20-year-old had a difficult 2018 season, scoring points on just two occasions in a Williams that was the clear backmarker of the field. Stroll takes the seat of Esteban Ocon, who will work as Mercedes' development driver next year.

Force India team principal Otmar Szafnauer said: “I’m pleased that we can finally confirm Lance’s arrival to race alongside Sergio next year. It gives us an exciting line-up with the perfect blend of youth, talent, and experience.

"Lance is only 20 and already has two years of Formula 1 experience under his belt, as well as a podium finish and a front row start. We see huge potential in Lance and believe we can create an environment in which he can flourish.

"Our team has enjoyed great success nurturing and developing young and talented drivers, and we are very excited to begin our journey with Lance. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Esteban Ocon for his contribution to the team over the last two seasons and wish him well for the future.”

F1 News Sergio Perez Lance Stroll Force India

Replies (3)

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  • calle.itw

    Posts: 8,527

    Big surprise..

    • + 0
    • Nov 30 2018 - 17:37
  • RogerF1

    Posts: 501

    What a laugh if he hadn’t been given a seat.

    • + 1
    • Nov 30 2018 - 17:57
  • Rindtchamp

    Posts: 304

    Untalented and slow driver?
    no problem.. daddy buys him an F1 team.

    • + 1
    • Dec 1 2018 - 15:11

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