New Williams driver Lance Stroll has been named Quebec's Sportsman of the Year by French-language publication Le Journal de Montréal-Journal de Québec.

The Canadian steamrolled the European Formula 3 championship in 2016, winning the title with 14 victories and as many pole positions in 30 events. Stroll was announced as part of Williams’ 2017 line-up a few days after his 18th birthday.

“I can’t thank enough Le Journal for picking me as Quebec’s Sportsman of the Year,” Stroll said upon the announcement. “I am getting ready to take up the biggest challenge in my career in 2017 and can’t wait to compete in F1.

“I may no longer live in Canada, I won’t forget where I come from. Many thanks for the award and I am really looking forward to meeting all the racing fans and readers that will come and show their support during the Canadian Grand Prix next June.”

Stroll was initially set to partner Valtteri Bottas but the Finn appears to be on his way to Mercedes to replace Nico Rosberg. The Canadian teenager is thus likely to team up with 11-time grand prix winner Felipe Massa.

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Julien Billiotte

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