Lawrence Stroll underlines 'huge privilege' to begin new F1 journey

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Lawrence Stroll, who led a consortium of investors to save Force India from a painful demise, has praised the strength and talent of the team's troops as they open a new chapter of their F1 history.

Racing Point Force India F1 Team will make its debut at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix following the acquisition of the Force India Formula One Team by Racing Point UK Limited.

The team was granted by the FIA an official entry into the Formula 1 world championship, a complicated process that was completed on Thursday.

"On Monday I stood in front of the workforce at Silverstone and Brackley and applauded the achievements of this team in recent years," said Stroll following the announcement of the team's entry into F1.

Force India is dead, long live Racing Point Force India!

"The strength of any company is the people that make it up and it’s a huge privilege to begin this exciting new journey with such a talented group of men and women.

"I’ve been fortunate to establish and grow a number of successful businesses, but the opportunity to take this team forward to the next level is perhaps the most exciting challenge yet," the Canadian billionaire who made his fortune in the fashion industry with names such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger or Michael Kors.

"Together with my fellow shareholders, we will invest in new resources and bring fresh energy to empower the workforce to continue racing at the very highest level.

"We are all passionate about motor racing; we recognise the racers’ spirit in Force India, and we are extremely motivated to make this team even more special in the years ahead."

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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.