Stroll's Belgian GP points to help wildfire relief efforts in California

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Lance Stroll will donate $1,800 for every point he scores in next Sunday's Belgian GP to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to help the latter's wildfire relief efforts in California.

More than 650 wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres since August 15 in northern California, destroying land, massive amounts of wildlife and over 1,400 buildings.

The fires, sparked in most cases by lightning, have left seven people dead and over one hundred thousand people forced to evacuate as the blazes engulfed the Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties of the Golden State.

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Unfortunately, California is no stranger to wildfires, having suffered massive land and wildlife losses at the end of 2018 and the start of 2019.

"This past week has been a time of reflection for me," Stroll wrote on social media.

"It’s devastating to see what’s happening in California. Millions of animals are at risk and over a hundred thousand people have evacuated their homes.

"I will be raising money through the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to help now as the fires begin to worsen through the week and they will need our help now more than ever.

"I sincerely hope that we can all come together and contribute towards this cause, everything counts as we can make a difference. Please share this with your peers and others as this is a time to come together."

So far this season, Lance Stroll has 40 world championship points, achieving a top-ten finish in every race except for the opening round in Austria.

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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.