Stroll: 'Not a big fan of my second home race!'

40

Williams rookie Lance Stroll heads to Spa determined to continue the good form the 18-year-old has shown since his home race in Canada.

In fact, Spa will be Stroll's second home race this season as Belgium is the country of origin of his mother Claire-Anne.

The family's affinity with the venue won't boost the teenager's enthusiasm however as Stroll has never been a fan of the daunting Ardennes track.

"In Spa, I am heading to my second home race of the year," he says.

"I am half Belgian, as this is where my mother was born, so I do have an affinity with the country.

Spa tyre strategies often heroic or disastrous - Lowe

"However, I have to admit that, unlike most Formula 1 drivers, Spa is not my absolute favourite.

"Having said that, I did win there last year in Formula 3, so I can’t complain about it too much.

"It is a very interesting track with some amazing sections and also there is always that air of uncertainty regarding the weather. You can have it raining in sector three and dry in sector one."

Stroll scored points in Canada, Azerbaijan and Austria but finished well outside the top ten in Britain and in Hungary.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.