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Stroll bankrolled by father to the tune of $80M!

Despite Claire Williams' claims that rookie Lance Stroll was chosen on his merit, there's no doubt the young Canadian has benefited immensely from his father's financial might.

Billionaire fashion mogul Lawrence Stroll has bankrolled his son's career from the outset, sparing no expense - literally - to the family's dream of racing in Formula 1.

Young Stroll himself readily acknowledges his father's financial support, but also believes his achievements have earned him a rite of passage to the big time.

In order to facilitate his son's development, Stroll senior simply bought the Prema F3 outfit and appointed former Scuderia engineer and Ferrari Driver Academy boss Luca Baldisserri to manage his son's footsteps.

This provided the teenager with the best possible guidance in a team entirely devoted to his cause. But Stroll senior also had a special simulator installed at Williams which only his son could use.

To fast-track the latter's access to Formula 1, Stroll also financed a massive testing programme with a 2014 Williams, supported by a staff which included 5 Mercedes engineers and two specially prepared engines from the German manufacturer.

The comprehensive schedule saw the young hopeful accumulate a wealth of mileage and experience at a diversity of tracks and venue such as Silverstone, Hungary, Monza, Austria, Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, Austin and Sochi.

In the end, Lawrence Stroll has allegedly spent an estimated $80 million to insure his 18-year-old son's proper entry into Grand Prix racing!

Indeed, Williams Pat Symonds reckons Lance Stroll is perhaps the best prepared rookie to enter Formula 1 since another Canadian and Williams driver some twenty years ago.

"The last rookie with that many kilometres of testing for his debut was Jacques Villeneuve," Symonds said.

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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.