Does Lance Stroll believe money can buy success?

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Lance Stroll is perfectly aware of how his father's financial might played a huge part in enabling him to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

But the Canadian also believes there was a fair amount of merit involved in Williams' decision to recruit the young charger, and that no amount of money could ever buy him a race win.

"There are two ways it works," Stroll said.

"One way is you need to have a sponsor, or a family member, someone who helps you from eight-years-old until whatever age you arrive to Formula 1, if you arrive to Formula 1."

"Without that, I wouldn't have been able to move from Canada to Europe and pursue my dream.

"After that, no matter how much money you have, no matter where you come from, if you don't actually turn the steering wheel left and right, and go as quickly as possible around the track, you don't win races."

Stroll is the latest member of Formula 1's new teenager class which has risen to prominence thanks to the meteoric rise and success of Max Verstappen.

The FIA recently put up a few barriers of entry however, introducing a minimum age requirement (18 years-old ), as well a siperlicence/points system linked to various junior or parallel championships.

"Money can't buy wins. Money can buy the opportunity, it can buy a seat in go-karts, F4 and F3," insists Stroll.

"But if you don't have the Super Licence points now, which requires winning championships like F4, F3, GP2, you need to get those 40 points, which I've done, you can't get into Formula 1."

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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.