Stroll hits the track with Williams

Editor

As rumours of Lance Stroll’s pending promotion to Formula 1 continue, Williams have confirmed that the 17-year-old has spent time behind the wheel of an FW36.

Stroll, who will turn 18 next month, has been linked to Felipe Massa soon-to-be-vacated Williams seat with reports claiming that it is only a matter of time before he is confirmed.

The rumours have gained momentum as Williams appear to be preparing him for his debut campaign.

The team confirmed that he recently spent time in the simulator doing F3 work, before moving onto the track in a 2014 FW36.

“It wasn’t a test,” a Williams spokesperson explained to Motorsport.com.

“Lance has spent time in the Williams simulator configured to an F3 car designed to help him with the Euro F3 season.

“Stroll has also now moved into some work experiencing an older spec F1 car, a Williams FW36 in between his F3 racing.”

Stroll’s spokesperson has downplayed the FW36 run, saying it is just part of his Williams development programme.

He said: “Part of the work [in the development programme] includes giving him some time in an old F1 car to prepare him for the differing performance a Formula 1 car gives.

“However, Lance remains fully committed to his F3 programme and ultimately on winning the title, hopefully therefore any track days have been designed to fit around this.”