Stroll throws Villeneuve's credibility under the bus!

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Williams Lance Stroll believes talking head Jacques Villeneuve just can't be taken seriously anymore, and indeed the young Canadian is unfazed by his countryman's latest drivel.

Last year, the 1997 world champion took aim at the Grove-based outfit's driver, calling him the worst rookie in the history of F1.

Recently, he ramped up his clowning, contending that Williams reserve driver would deliberately undermine the efforts of Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin this year by impacting the development of the team's FW41 to their detriment.

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"I'm not aware of this story. I have not read his comments, so I cannot comment on them," Stroll told reporters in Bahrain.

When pressed on the issue, Stroll pointed out that Villeneuve's credibility speaks for itself.

"Last year he said I was the worst rookie in F1. But the last time I checked, I managed a podium," added Stroll.

"I started from the first row, I collected 40 points -- three less than my teammate who had 16 years of experience.

"So I do not listen to what Jacques has to say. I have many other priorities on my list before I get to him," he said.

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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.