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Stroll: "Results show I'm not just about money"

Published on 10 Aug 2017 17:28
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By: Fergal Walsh

Lance Stroll believes that his more recent performances in Formula 1 prove that he is not in the sport simply because of his father's money. In 2016, Stroll's billionaire father, Lawrence, paid Williams a hefty sum of money to give his son a drive for the 2017 season.

Stroll's debut season started off roughly, as he failed to match the pace of veteran teammate Felipe Massa. At the Canadian Grand Prix, the 18-year-old secured his first points finish before going on to claim third place and his maiden podium one race later in Azerbaijan.

Stroll has had to face tough accusations regarding his father's money but says that he needs to cast them aside and focus on the job: "You just turn it off, but at the same time you have to look at the facts," he said to ESPN. "I'm not here to prove anyone wrong, I'm here to do it for myself and my team.

"I'm not here to 'show the critics', or whatever it is, I know why I'm here and that I deserve to be here. I won Formula 3 championship and was the youngest ever to win it, and by a massive margin, and a lot of work went into it.

"And now, youngest rookie to ever be on the podium, that's an accomplishment and I think for people to take that away from me and say 'it's just money', it's not true. Showing those results, looking at the points, I'm still in the [midfield] mix. There will still be hard weekends, good weekends, that's how it works, but I've proven I belong to be here in F1. The results speak for themselves."

Stroll recognises that he is very fortunate to have come from a wealthy background and understands that his father's money was a key factor in securing a seat for this season. However, he preaches that he has worked hard for where he has got to.

"I know why I'm here. I can't deny the reality, the reality is I had a great opportunity growing up as a kid that not a lot of people have. I was very fortunate to come from where I come from and be able to make that move from Canada to Europe to pursue my dreams.

"But I grabbed it with both hands and I won my championships to get here, I won my Formula 4 championship, I won my Formula 3 championship, I did all that and I got my super licence points which not everyone can get. You have to go out and deliver the results to get that and get into Formula 1.

"So that's where my focus is at, I'm very thankful for the opportunity I've been given growing up as a kid, but at the same time I worked really hard to get here. I could easily be running around in last place with all the money in the world. But that's not how I did it, and that's what matters to me.

"Also in Formula One you need, other than if you're in the top three teams, you need some backing to help you, even in the lower ranks, motorsport is incredibly expensive. I have sponsors as well who have backed me other than my father, so there's more to the story than just my father's money."

Fergal Walsh

f1fan0101

Posts: 1,804

I like him. I feel a bit sorry too, he can't help that he's from money

1
Aug 10 2017 - 18:10

F1 News Felipe Massa Lance Stroll Williams

Replies (8)

f1fan0101

Posts: 1,804
I like him. I feel a bit sorry too, he can't help that he's from money
- + 1
- Aug 10 2017 - 18:10
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
The criticism over his family's money is despicable. That being said, I am still not impressed with him at all. His podium was a solid performance but not spectacular. It was no Maldonado in Spain 2012. He, at the very least, needs to start beating Massa which already is a poor benchmark. Just compare what Bottas did with Massa when they were teammates.
- + 0
- Aug 10 2017 - 18:45
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  No, still nothing compared to Ocon and Wehrlein (the latter I was doubting a bit until last year), but its not even half as bad as some claim it is. Its an acceptable first year, but more should be expected from him next year. He is a champion in three different cathegories, he need to show it.
  + 0
  
  Aug 10 2017 - 19:32
mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332
The Boy is no Ocon. At his best, he is a Massa.
- + 0
- Aug 10 2017 - 22:10
Nikeros

Posts: 10
The PR just never stops. Not a day goes by when daddies paid babblers don't put his name out there in one publication or another lest we forget his presence. This whole 'what is lance, (aka Mr. Mediocrity), the billionaire racing (?) driver thinking about today' makes me want to vomit.
- + 1
- Aug 11 2017 - 00:41
- Hombibi
  
  Posts: 137
  Hey Nikeros, new to the sport? ;-)
  + 0
  
  Aug 11 2017 - 08:28
Patentprutser

Posts: 392
Keep up the performance Lance, and critics will shut up. Start making the same mistakes as the first 5 races, your career will be finished in F1 soon and you'll need the money to get nice seats in other race categories.
I don't think he will make it to one of the top 3 teams...
- + 1
- Aug 11 2017 - 07:26
boudy

Posts: 1,168
No mr Stroll Williams F1 currently has a below par drivers couple. Put the likes of hamiltos ves ric in that williams and it would be in the top 6 way more. Can't wait untill williams has the change to swap their drivers.
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- Aug 12 2017 - 21:45