Ross Brawn gives Lance Stroll two thumbs up!

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Formula 1's sporting manager Ross Brawn believes rookie Lance Stroll has proven beyond any doubt that he deserves his seat at Williams.

The young Canadian faced a strong head wind of critics when he launched his career at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Many thought the 18-year-old was only racing because of his fathers' financial clout, and questioned his ability to perform at the highest level.

Even his countryman Jacques Villeneuve lambasted Stroll, labeling him "the worst rookie" in F1 history!

The 1997 world champion now has egg on his face following a string of points-scoring finishes which the Williams driver initiated at his home race in Montreal in June and which was followed by an outstanding performance in Baku.

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Brawn, who knows a thing or two about drivers, having steered Benetton, Ferrari and Brawn GP to success, says Stroll's ability and status in F1 should no longer be questioned.

"Stroll finished in the points for the sixth time this season in Malaysia, the third time in a row," Brawn said.

"The highlight of a strong race was winning a hard but fair duel with his Williams team mate Felipe Massa.

"There was a good deal of scepticism surrounding Lance when he made his Formula 1 debut, but I think the young Canadian has shown he deserves his place in this sport."

Brawn was less impressed however with the Williams driver's "silly and bizarre" post-race run-in with Sebastian Vettel last weekend.

"Honestly, I can’t recall, at least in recent times, when an incident of that kind last occurred,"said Brawn.

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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.