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After a tough 2018 campaign, Lance Stroll is aiming for a stronger season in 2019 as he makes his debut for Racing Point.
The Canadian driver is aiming to fight for points at every race as the former Force India team operates under new management and increased investment. Stroll's father, Lawrence, now owns the team along with a consortium of investors who saved the team from liquidation in August of 2018.
Stroll's 2018 season with Williams was hampered by an aerodynamically flawed FW41 car. The team ended the season bottom of the constructors' championship with just seven points - six of which came from Stroll.
But as he enters a new chapter for himself, the 20-year-old is hoping for boosted results: "I always aim high so I want us to be competitive right from the start," he said at Racing Point's launch on Wednesday in Toronto.
"It’s way too early to know how we compare to the other teams, but right here today I believe we should be fighting for points in every race. My goal is to get back on the podium in 2019 as well. I’m feeling really good about things.
"I can see how much potential we have in this team and there’s an incredible buzz in the factory and so much enthusiasm. I feel comfortable already and everybody has given me a great welcome. It’s the next chapter in my racing career and I just can’t wait to get in the car and start the proper work."
Stroll will partner Sergio Perez at the Silverstone based outfit, who enters his ninth season in F1. When asked about what it will be like to work with his father, Stroll affirmed that the family connection will not make his task a walk in the park.
"It’s a family business. He (Lawrence Stroll) has put me on the turf and I have to get my hands dirty,” he said. "I’m not kicking my feet up in my chair, I am going to be hustling and it is a great opportunity for me as a racing driver, a big stepping stone in my career.
"It’s a great opportunity for my father and the Stroll family, we are putting our heart and soul into Racing Point. He has been in my corner since day one and to be working alongside him is an amazing opportunity."
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C. Sainz jr
3 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (3)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
They could be the midfield surprise of the season. It would be good to see Stroll compared to Perez and know if my understanding of driver talent holds up.
Fergal Walsh
Posts: 46
The midfield fight will be very interesting this year with added investment from Renault, Alfa Romeo, and Racing Point.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Midfield surprise and midfield surprise, Im never really surprised by Force India doing well. Remember how well they've done in a long time now, I don't think thats fluke, and I really think that will just get better with a bigger budget. And with that Mercedes budget, and Perez, father of Mexicans, preserver of tyres, Khal of the infinite laps, they are still my favourite to P4.