4
Jacques Villeneuve has fired a warning to compatriot Lance Stroll ahead of his Formula One début.
The Canadian teenager will join the F1 grid next year with Williams, having won the European Formula Three championship this year.
Stroll is the son of fashion magnate Lawrence Stroll, leading many to label him as a "pay driver", despite championship titles in F4, F3, and the Toyota Racing Series.
But 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has said that Strolls lucrative backing doesn't mean he is lacking talent.
"I did say that money does not buy talent and I stand by that statement," the former Williams driver told the Journal de Montreal.
"But money doesn't mean you don't have talent," Villeneuve insisted. "Money allows you to enter through the front door."
However, despite a strong junior record, Villeneuve has said Stroll's previous record is no guarantee of success in F1.
"Winning F3 doesn't mean anything," he said. "There are so many drivers who have won in F3 but nothing afterwards. And others who did nothing in F3 and exploded in F1."
Although critical of 'pay drivers', Villeneuve has praised Stoll's father for the way he has handled his career.
"He made the right choices and was able to prepare his son, who in turn delivered the goods," said Villeneuve.
But F1, will present a bigger challenge for Stroll.
"It remains to be seen how Lance will evolve psychologically in F1," he said. "He will no longer be protected by your father but instead left rather to himself.
"He is very quick and has talent, but he has not yet learned to suffer. Lance has fought to win races, but he has not fought to survive in motor sport.
"He has not finished learning, and I'm anxious to see how he will react."
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
48,071 comments on Aston Martin
3 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Lance Stroll
154,754 comments on Williams 38 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Williams
G. Zhou
Replies (4)
Login to replyHemex
Posts: 1,236
Where is that 'shooting from the hip' razor sharp analysis that Jacques used to have ready for Max. Don't you go all soft on us now. We all rely on you for that extra bit of self reflection that only you were able to provide, pointing out all his weaknesses. Without that, we'd probably all start to think Max is actually good!
OK, maybe Lance does not have any weaknesses; could be, could be. Or not.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Hmmm ...double standards from JV?
Patentprutser
Posts: 386
Regarding his very strong performance and his young age, he is going te be strong in F1. No garantees but all looks in his favour
Hemex
Posts: 1,236
And how many crashes would you predict. If his reputation is any indication: F1 drivers beware.