Lance Stroll: 'My dad's a nice guy, I hope he takes me'

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Lance Stroll says he is very much still a Williams driver this weekend at Spa, but the young Canadian also insists his short-term future with the Grove-based outfit isn't "guaranteed".

The recent takeover - and salvation - of Force India by a consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll has inevitably led to speculation that his 19-year-old son will join his father's new team, called Racing point Force India.

For many, it's not a question of if, but rather when the move takes place.

"Nothing’s guaranteed, but right now I’m really just focused on this weekend and I’m going to give it my all like I always do and we’ll see what the future holds," said Stroll in Thursday's media conference.

"I’m still wearing a Williams polo, we’ve got a race this weekend and I’m going to be 100 percent focused and committed on my job."

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

The young driver obviously closely followed the ongoing developments at Force India, admitting to being both impressed and happy for his father and for the team.

"I'm really pleased for my father. He saw a great financial opportunity with Force India," he added.

"He has done his due diligence and he sees that they currently punch above their weight. They do a really good job with what they have so he sees a lot of opportunity and a lot of potential.

"They are in a very difficult position and he believes he can help grow the company and make them as competitive as they can be.

"For the moment I’m here at Williams, I’m not sure what I’ll be doing in the future. We’ll see what my father decides to do with me. He’s a nice guy. I hope he’ll take me!"

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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.