F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Stroll expects experienced Bottas to have early edge

New Williams driver Lance Stroll admits he “may not do well” compared to his more experienced team-mate Valtteri Bottas during his debut Formula One season.

Both drivers were confirmed as the Williams pair for 2017 on Thursday, with the European Formula 3 championship winner set to be the second youngest entrant in F1 history behind Max Verstappen, who also graduated straight from F3 in 2015 with Toro Rosso.

“I have to learn a lot of new things ahead of next season,” Stroll said. “I’m a rookie so I may make some mistakes while learning new areas but I am looking forward to that and I have Williams behind me helping with that.

“I also have Valtteri who is a benchmark for me and who I will be able to learn a lot from. This year was a great year and hopefully I can learn from it and use it but for sure there will be a lot of new things so I will start from zero.

“For sure experience helps, and no matter what I am going to be a rookie and may not do well compared to say Valtteri as he has a few seasons in F1.”

When asked about the targets he plans on setting for his maiden campaign, the Canadian teenager added:

“I want to see where we are first. The right thing to do would be to go into winter testing with a clear mind, and then work with the team and Valtteri and work out the areas I’m good in and then the areas I need to improve on.

“I’m not going to set any goals, or unrealistic goals, I’m just going to take it race by race.”

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS - Mexico

FEATURE: Foul Play or Foul Language

Scene at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix

Mexican Grand Prix - Quotes of the week

15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

11 mins ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

1 hour ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago