'Mature' Stroll has lived up to Williams' expectations

40

Amid Williams' depressed performance, deputy team principal Claire Williams says she is proud of the work and progress accomplished by Lance Stroll this year.

The team's problematic 2018 FW41 has put the Grove-based squad out of contention for a spot among F1's mid-field leaders where it hoped to be.

As the British outfit works intensively to improve its state of affairs, Williams sought to underline Stroll's progress since his arrival in F1 and his prospects for the future.

"He has worked very hard to improve the points he had to improve," she said.

"He's under a lot of pressure, getting criticism that is not deserved and I think he's showing tremendous maturity in dealing with all of it.

Williams puts Rowland and Kubica behind the wheel in Hungary

"I am very proud of the work he has done for us and I hope that we will soon be able to give him a car that will allow him to show his full potential.

"I honestly believe he has a great career ahead of him in F1," Williams added.

It's a well-known fact that Stroll's career and access to F1 has been bankrolled by his father. While it's early days still, the Canadian's future will likely remain tied to Williams next season.

"We're not talking about a contract yet, but we think Lance has lived up to our expectations so far and we do not like to separate from drivers without good reason," said Claire Williams.

As for the 20-year-old's outlook for his home race next weekend, a new spec engine from Mercedes and a boost of local support will hopefully offer an opportunity for points in Montreal.

"We are working on all of the parts to improve the package and be able to fight for the points again, but it takes time," said Stroll.

"In principle we could benefit from the engine, but I prefer to wait until we're on track to say. warned.

"So far this season we have sometimes progressed and sometimes regressed, so I just hope the next step will be positive."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.