Stroll: No guarantees over finishing season with Williams
- Published on 24 Aug 2018 09:57
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Lance Stroll admits that there is a possibility he could leave Williams before the end of the 2018 season. The Canadian is set to join Force India following the consortium that took the team out of administration over the summer break, which was led by Stroll's father.
Rumours in the Belgian paddock suggest that the 19-year-old may appear at Force India as early as next week's Italian Grand Prix. With Sergio Perez expected to stay on, his arrival could be at the expense of Esteban Ocon, who has been linked to Williams and McLaren.
When asked if he was seeing out the 2018 season with Williams, he said: “Well, nothing’s guaranteed. But right now, I’m going to be just focused on this weekend and I’m going to give it my all like I always do and we’ll see what the future holds.
“Right now, I’m going to be just taking it weekend by weekend and we’ll see what happens. I’m committed to Williams, I have a contract with Williams. We’ve achieved some good success in the past, last year, so right now I’m going to try and beat them [Force India].”
“For the moment, I am here at Williams. I am not sure what I will be doing in the future. We’ll see what my father decides to do. He’s a nice guy, I’ll hope he takes me,” he laughed.
Stroll also says that he had nothing to do with his father's takeover of Force India, stating that he simply saw it as a good business investment. He added that he has not discussed the deal with him as of yet.
"He has done his due diligence and he sees that they currently punch above their weight. They do a really good job with what they have so he sees a lot of opportunity and a lot of potential. They are in a very difficult position and he believes he can help grow the company and make them as competitive as they can be.
“At the moment I am at Williams and we will see what happens with me in the future. I wish him all the best with Force India, it is definitely a very exciting future for him. But I am just focused on this weekend and what I am doing the rest of the year.”
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (7)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
As long as he fulfils the sponsorship agreements i can't see an issue with that. However not so sure it would be wise to swap drivers mid season. To get Ocon in a Williams ... yes please. I would be sure that it would go a whole lot faster and vice versa with Stroll F1.
I'd love for Williams to move back up the grid again, I am still unsure if the main issue isn't related to the driving style or speed of their current drivers duo and test driver. Having Ocon in that team would benefit both parties (stroll jnr and Ocon) since Ocon really needs to start making an impact, moving Williams further up the grid would be such an thing.
F1todayfan101
Posts: 120
The drivers have nothing to do with the current state of Williams. You won't see them at the pointy end of the grid for at least 3 years. The issue is systemic and in the team and their unwillingness to adapt to modern times, resting on their laurels and poor senior management.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
@FAN101.
Not so sure this is the case;the drivers have you believe this since its takes the pressure of them to perform. I believe that Williams are an sound engineering company better than the Force India, so I can't see why this isn't driver related.
When an good drivers comes in he/she would push the team forward I don't think that Stroll has this skill set.
Freguz
Posts: 160
Daddy can't you buy a team so I can drive there? pleeeease?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But son, I already bought you the entire Indy car grid last month, AND 2 more gold coated Ferraris. Do you really require a new toy this soon?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I watched the interviews yesterday where Stroll said this and seriously wanted to slap him. Came across as incredibly entitled. This will be taking the pay driver tag to the next level.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Ya just cant buy talent !