Stroll on a roll: can he keep it going in Austria?

©Williams

Lance Stroll enjoyed a memorable maiden podium in Azerbaijan, a performance which followed his first top-ten finish in Canada, but can the rookie keep the momentum going in Austria?

The teenager endured a rocky start to his career at the pinnacle of racing, marked by a few mistakes and mishaps which his critics pounced on to question his very presence in F1.

But the 18-year-old set the record straight in Baku, showcasing his ability on the challenging street circuit and demonstrating that he is indeed made of the right stuff, according to Williams tech boss Paddy Lowe.

"Lance has got incredible talent and we've seen glimpses of that," Lowe said.

"Classically rookies break a lot of bits but he is not doing that and he is going quickly now he is in the groove to do it.

"He has got great race craft which we saw in Canada and here in Baku. Those are all the elements which make a great driver."

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Stroll will be looking to keep his momentum flowing at the Red Bull Ring next weekend, a venue which he is well acquainted with and which he appreciates.

"Austria will be a completely new experience for me, as this is the first track of the year where I have already raced," the Canadian said in the team's Austrian Grand Prix preview.

"I just love that track. It is so cool and a place I have enjoyed racing. There are not that many corners but it has a great flow and it is easy to get a good rhythm."

"It is always great going back to a track where you have been successful, and that is definitely the case here as last year in Formula 3 I had two wins and a second!

"The area is very beautiful and it reminds me of back home in Canada – one of those northern tracks with pine trees."

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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.