Stroll on Massa: 'He's not my mentor!'

©WRI2

Williams rookie Lance Stroll views team mate Felipe Massa as just another rival, but one from which he hopes to learn.

The 18-year-old Canadian got off to a rocky start in Barcelona last week, beaching his new Williams FW40 three times in the Circuit de Catalonia gravel trap, inflicting damage which prevented the team from running on Day 4 of pre-season testing.

Stroll, who enjoyed the benefits of a huge preparation and testing programme in 2016, is paired with a man whose vast F1 experience represents a valuable asset in the junior driver's learning curve.

But while he is eager to learn, he does not see Massa as a mentor.

"I think mentor is the wrong word," Stroll said.

"He's here pushing for himself as much as anyone is pushing for themselves.

"I think it's just great to have him in the team, helping the team move forwards, bringing a lot of experience to the team and there's a lot definitely that I can pick up from him.

" Him and myself are going to help the team move forwards as much as possible."

Lance Stroll was introduced to the Brazilian when he was enrolled by Ferrari in its driver academy program.

"I know him from our days in Ferrari and he's an open guy, he's a team player?" Stroll added.

"He's an honest guy and that's kind of all you really ask for when you have a team-mate. It's a positive spirit and a positive attitude in the team and everyone is really looking forward to the season and the rest of the tests, to get some more running."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.