Massa defends team mate Stroll after Monaco mishap

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There's no free pass at Monaco, whether sitting at a Blackjack table in the Casino or in an F1 car out on the race track.

Any mistakes are paid cash on the Principality's mean streets, as Williams' Lance Stroll found out yesterday in FP2.

The 18-year-old rookie hit the barriers hard enough to put an end to his session, and to fire up his scoffing critics who believe the Canadian - just another 'rich kid' - is simply out of his depth.

Stroll's predicament probably wasn't helped by his admission that he was having issues yesterday with the same Monaco corners he struggled with on his Playstation, a rather futile comparison.

But team mate and part-time mentor Felipe Massa isn't worried with the teenager's bad spell, believing it's all part of the learning process, and pointing to many others, including himself, who fell victim to Monte-Carlo's perils upon their first visit.

On Playstation or in real life, Stroll struggles at Monaco

"It's his first weekend in Monaco and many drivers have accidents," the Brazilian said.

"Perhaps we should just say 'Welcome to Monaco!'"

Massa focused instead on Stroll's outright pace, which was actually quite good

"Today Lance did a good lap time, he was more competitive than in Barcelona, so that's a positive.

"But of course Monaco is Monaco and Lance must understand that a mistake here can cost him his session," Massa added.

The young Canadian also defended himself.

"I think a lot of drivers touched the barriers today," said Stroll.

"On the positive side, it was my first time on this track and I had good pace. I touched the barriers but at least I know I attacked and have something to work on for Saturday."

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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.