The Canadian driver Lance Stroll has gain himself the attention of many when in 2016 he dominated European Formula 3, beating two Mercedes juniors Maximilian Günther and George Russell to the title. At last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix he has become the youngest rookie to stand on a Formula 1 podium and is now the de facto team leader at Williams, scoring all four of the British team’s points this season. Before the Hungarian Grand Prix he has talked with ŚwiatWyścigów.pl’s Roksana Ćwik.
Lance, this season has not been the easiest one for you and the team. Do you fell that progress has been made?
Well, it’s been a frustrating start but it’s not done yet, there are still some more races and that’s how it goes sometimes in Formula 1 – you have your good moments and bad moments, so we will see what the next part of the season holds.
How did the car evolve since the winter testing?
We’ve had some developments but it’s hard to say as the conditions in testing were very different to what we have today.
Can you explain the problems that you’ve encountered at Silverstone?
We’ve had a stall, so that’s why the aerodynamics of the car stopped working and we had a bad qualifying and so-and-so.
Do you think that having to overcome difficulties with this year’s car is a meaningful experience for you?
I will tell you that in few years. I can’t say it now because it’s difficult to assume that.
Is it different to race alongside an experienced driver and a rookie?
It’s tough to say as the situation this year is very different to what it was last year.
How is it to work with Robert?
It’s great. Robert is a great addition to the team this year and has helped guide the team in the right direction. He has a very good idea of our weaknesses, so he’s a big help for us. We share our opinions on things throughout the weekend and it’s great to have him around.
Did your approach to the race weekends changed in your second year?
There’s a little more clarity as I have a year of experience under my belt, so I have a better idea about a lot of things.
How big of a step was to go from F3 to F1?
Formula 1 is much more competitive than Formula 3. The car is also on a higher level and has more power and downforce. I’d say that the F3 car is a little bit easier to drive in the wet, but I’ve also had success in the rain in Formula 1 – Monza was a big qualifying for us.
How does it feel to race in Canada?
It’s very special to race at home.
Would you encourage more drivers to take part in one-off races like the Daytona 24h?
It’s a great race and I really enjoyed myself at Daytona. I got to drive with the friends of mine in the same car and it’s a very different kind of race, so maybe I will do it again in some time.
How does the LMP2 compare to the DP car from few years before?
It’s a little bit lighter and nimbler, so it’s a little bit different kind of car to drive.
Starting your career in North America, was IndyCar ever on your radar?
I think it’s a great category. The cars are spec, so it allows the drivers to battle on track, but I’ve never considered going down that route.
