1997 Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve says he is eager to see how new Williams driver Lance Stroll fares under adversity.
The 18-year-old was confirmed alongside Valtteri Bottas for 2017 on Thursday and will graduate to F1 straight from Formula 3 after dominating this year’s European championship. Stroll will also succeed Villeneuve as the latest Canadian to compete in the top flight.
“Winning the F3 championship like he did may not translate at the next level,” the 11-time grand prix winner told Le Journal de Montreal. “There are so many drivers who had starred in F3 but did not pan out in the end.
“Incidentally, others never shone in the feeder series before becoming great in F1. Each case is unique.”
Stroll’s rise through the junior categories has been facilitated by his father Lawrence’s immense wealth. The teenager was quick to admit ‘I come from money’ but also insisted he earned his seat through results.
“It will be interesting to see how Lance will evolve psychologically in F1,” Villeneuve added. “He will no longer be protected by his father, he will be more or less on his own.
“He is very quick and talented but he has not learned to suffer yet. I’m eager to see how he reacts under duress. If he overcomes it, like all great champions do, then the sky is the limit for him
“Lance has fought hard to win races but he has not toiled to survive in motor racing. He is not a finished product yet and needs to learn more but that’s only normal.”
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