Stroll urges Racing Point to 'focus on the present'

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Lance Stroll says SportsPesa Racing Point must focus on improving its current position in the pecking order while keeping the future at the back of its mind.

The Silverstone-based outfit has under-performed so far this season and sits just eighth in the Constructors' standings, but just one point behind Alfa Romeo.

While the team scored points in the opening four races of 2019, only two top-10 finishes have come its way since Baku, with Stroll delivering the pink outfit's best result with a fourth-place finish at Hockenheim.

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"It's not where we want to be, but this sport is an unknown," said the 20-year-old Canadian.

"There are no certainties. Clearly, the other teams have made some progress over the course of the first half of the season.

"Unfortunately, they've managed to leap us by a few tenths. That's how it is. We just have to deal with it and bounce back."

The end of the summer break typically marks the start of the period when teams ramp up their focus on next season's contender.

But Stroll insists Racing Point shouldn't lighten up in the second half of the season on its efforts to improve its performance.

"Absolutely, we have to focus on the present and what we can do going forward has got to be in the back of our minds," he added.

"We'll see what the future holds but for the moment it's about focusing on the rest of the season and build the best car we can for next season.

"But that's a different story, we still have a lot of racing left this year and the season is far from over so we'll make the best of it."

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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.