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Stroll: 'I don't doubt my capabilities, but I need time'

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On the eve of his home Grand Prix in Montreal, Lance Stroll is focused on improving his skills and his understanding of Formula 1 rather than achieving a top-10 finish.

It's been a difficult induction into the big time for Williams' 18-year-old rookie, marked by mistakes and accidents and zero championship points.

Stroll is still on a steep learning curve, but the teenager's approach to his apprenticeship is one that favours common sense: address the flaws and imperfections and the results will follow.

"I do have my targets, in terms of what I need to improve on. In terms of position, not really," Stroll told reporters last week at Williams 40th anniversary event at Silverstone.

"I don't look at Canada and say 'I need to finish in the points' because that would be the wrong approach.

"I look at Canada and say 'what are my weaknesses? I need to improve in this area, this needs to happen and that needs to happen.' And then hopefully points will come."

Williams to critics: 'Cut Lance Stroll some slack!'

Stroll admits the challenge he's facing this year - the discovery of a new environment coupled with the difficulties of mastering F1's faster and demanding new-spec cars - is huge. Not to mention dealing with the ever-present 'rich kid' unfavorable judgment.

But the Canadian is trying his best to remain focused on the job at hand and a bigger picture, with no doubts about his ability to perform.

"I think we all have to look at it in the right way. I’m 18 years old, the team knows that," he added.

"It’s a challenging year in Formula One, and I think the team looks at it as a bigger project than just the next race. I think we’ve got to look at the bigger picture.

"I don’t want to sound cocky, but I don’t doubt my capabilities as a racing driver... and I still don’t doubt myself even though it’s been a tricky start of the year.

"I’m improving race by race and I’m getting more comfortable and more confident in Formula 1.

"But to be the best I can be, just like I was in other championships and categories, I just need time and experience."

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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.