A mature and flawless performance

For the second race in succession, Lance Stroll answered his critics with a perfect race.

His points-scoring effort in Canada was a break-through for his confidence. But yesterday, on a treacherous track and in a race littered with pitfalls the teenager did not put a foot wrong.

Stroll maximised his potential to become the second youngest driver in the history of F1 to achieve a podium finish.

The reigning European F3 champion is gaining momentum, and putting the doubts about his ability to perform at the highest level to rest.

Will it permanently silence his critics?

"I don't think it proves a point. I don't listen to that stuff, it is just noise," Stroll says.

"I had it last year when I had the perfect year and this year when I had some tough times. I am just happy with myself. It is all just noise in the background, I don't care."

That a boy!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.