Welcome to F1, Lance Stroll

Editor

Williams have announced their drivers line-up for 2017, with Lance Stroll replacing Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas confirmed for another season.

Stroll, who is the son of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is the first driver since Max Verstappen to make the jump to Formula 1 straight from Formula 3.

Williams sponsor Martini, had to delay the announcement as they had to wait till he was 18-years-old due to legal constraints.

“I don’t think it has quite sunk in yet,” Stroll said.

“I have been focused on F3 in 2016 and they wanted me to focus on F3 and finish the job properly. It’s a dream come true. I am looking forward to getting started.”

With his seat confirmed, Stroll will be Bottas’ third team-mate since the Finn joined Williams, having been partnered with Massa and Pastor Maldonado in the past.

He also expressed his joy that the Grove-based side decided to keep him for another year, as he was linked with a move to Renault before Nico Hulkenberg was confirmed, and is looking forward to next season with his new team-mate.

“I am happy, very happy, very thankful for the team for showing trust in me and my ability,” he said.

“I feel like I am getting better all the time.

“I feel like we still have a lot to achieve together and we haven’t yet achieved what we should.

“I started here as a test driver eight years ago and it has gone quickly. I want to say welcome to Lance, I am sure we can do great things together.”

It also means that the teenager will be the first Canadian to line up on the Formula 1 grid since former world champion Jacques Villeneuve in 2006.