Lance Stroll describes step from F3 to F1

Lance Stroll has spoken of the challenge of stepping up from Formula Three to Formula One ahead of his début with Williams next year.

The Canadian steps up to partner Valtteri Bottas next season after winning the European F3 championship this year. To prepare for his graduation, Stroll has been undergoing an intense testing programme all over the world in a 2014 Williams.

"The step was incredible, tremendous, a lot of power as expected, a lot more downforce," Stroll told Sky Sports F1.

"But Formula Three is a really good car that teaches you how to drive properly. It has a lot of downforce, not so much power but I think that’s why it’s a very complicated part of driving because you have to find that edge and you can’t really go over it and you can’t be under it."

"It’s a great car and it teaches you really well how to progress on to higher categories."

"I would not say [I’m the best prepared rookie] ever because when they did have the testing days it was a lot easier to learn. Everyone does it differently and is preparing their own way. I don’t want to really compare."

Stroll revealed that discussions began before he won the F3 title, but didn't pick up until he did claim the championship.

"The conversation started when I finished my year in F3 but I still had a job to do, which was to win the championship. I tried to avoid all the distractions, avoid all the talks and just concentrate on winning F3."

"When that was done, we made the deal for 2017. It did not sink in right away, it took a bit of time. But I’m now preparing as well as possible and I will be throughout the winter to arrive in Melbourne as prepared as possible."

Stroll was spotted testing at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.

Monday morning breakfast @williamsf1team #yasmarinacircuit #chilling @roperdawn16 @elliott__w

A photo posted by Matty Rimmer (@mattyrimms75) on Dec 4, 2016 at 10:32pm PST