'Stroll will improve with time', says Massa

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Felipe Massa believes that Williams team mate Lance Stroll is a work in progress, tipping the young Canadian to improve with experience.

Stroll blotted his copybook in Barcelona during pre-season testing with a few off-track excursions, and then hit the wall during practice in Australia last week.

But Massa is quick to remind Stroll's critics that his own entry into the big time fifteen years ago was not without errors.

"He's 18," the Williams driver told Brazilian broadcaster Sportv.

"I remember when I was 18 and the mistakes I was making.

"Eventually you find out that you just needed time. For sure he will improve during the championship," Massa added.

Stroll preparing for a hard time ahead

The 35-year-old veteran, who had initially decided to call it a day on his F1 career at the end of the 2016 season before reversing course and staying one more year, is doing his best to counsel Stroll.

Massa believes patience and time will gradually refine the teenager's skills and talent.

"He has ended up not having a great start, including what happened in testing. But he has to have patience and time.

"I'm passing on all the information to him, everything I see, to help him learn and to understand. I've known him since he was 8 years old.

"So I have all the affection to help him to develop and have a strong partnership during the season," Massa said.

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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.