Stroll admits there's cause for concern at Williams

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Lance Stroll fears Williams could struggle to hold its own in Melbourne this weekend with an FW41 which hasn't yet fulfilled the team's expectations.

The Grove-based outfit concluded 2017 in fifth position in the Constructors' standings behind F1's top three teams and Force India.

It's low-key performance in pre-season testing, and the undisputed progress registered by several of its mid-field rivals, underlines the hard work which remains ahead for the British squad which also fields this season the least experienced driver line-up in its history with Stroll and rookie Sergey Sirotkin.

"We definitely have to be concerned because it's not a secret that everyone looks pretty good this year, so it's going to be competitive," he said.

"But at the same time we just have to remain calm and wait to see what happens this weekend where we stand.

Stroll heads into second F1 season with 'better clarity'

"The design of the new car is more daring, and it will take a little more time to get the most out of it," Stroll told the Canadian newspaper La Presse.

"The car is already better than last year's, but that's the same for everyone."

Williams' 2018 charger will likely remain a work in progress for the first few races of the season before the car enjoys a major upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix in mid-May.

However, missing out on points early on could prove costly in the long run, admits Claire Williams.

"We've got a huge development package for Barcelona – we'll have to wait and see where that puts us," said Williams' deputy team principal..

"I think that's what we all see – that you miss those points at the start of the season and you really regret that later.

"You kind of think 'well, it's a long year so if we don't do necessarily very well in the first few races it doesn't matter'. It actually is crucial to do well from the off."

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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.