Stroll uninterested in 'always negative' Villeneuve

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Lance Stroll isn't impressed with the criticism directed towards him by countryman Jacques Villeneuve, insisting the former world champion's remarks are always negative.

Villeneuve has taken aims at Stroll on several occasions this year, even labeling the 18-year-old as the 'worst rookie in F1 history'.

Villeneuve had a piece of humble pie shoved down his throat last Sunday however, when Stroll collected a podium finish in Baku flollowing a flawless drive which came on the back of a points-scoring finish in Canada.

"I don't care what he says," Stroll told La Presse.

"Jacques is always negative, finding things to say. Even with Vettel and Hamilton now, with him thinking what happened in Baku was ok when everyone else thinks the opposite.

Villeneuve beats up on 'worst rookie ever' Stroll

"I prefer to concentrate on my business," the Williams driver added.

"He (Villeneuve) did not really encourage me last year when I won the F3 championship, and it was the same in the first races this year when I was having difficulty," said Stroll.

"So I was not surprised to hear his words. But the important thing is that I am happy, and the people around me are happy," he insisted.

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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.