Lance Stroll takes his first F1 podium

Rarely has a beginner been so heavily criticized, notably because of the paternal fortune that secured his leap from F3 to F1. The winter tests and the start of the season tended to reinforce the critics in their (poor) opinion.

But a first step was taken in Montreal when the driver managed to score his first two points. But it was nothing compared to what awaited him in Baku. He expertly used the power of his Mercedes engine to qualify in 8th position. For the first time this year, he was able to beat Felipe Massa in the qualifying exercise.

During the race, the Canadian kept close to his teammate. However, the latter was forced to retire, as the Brazilian explains: « During the restart, the car started bouncing in a straight line. I had no speed, cars were passing me easily. I couldn’t take the corners because the car was shaking so much. »

If the former Ferrari driver had to retire to his garage, Lance Stroll did not miss the opportunity to step onto his first podium: « I have no words right now. It was such a crazy race and so many things happened but the team helped me stay calm on the radio. The pace was good, we brought it to the end and avoided any issues. I can’t believe what happened. »

He would even forget the disappointment of losing second place at the finish line due to an overtake by Valtteri Bottas: “We simply lost to Valtteri in one of the closest finishes in history, crossing the finish line side by side. At the beginning of the weekend, I never thought I would be on the podium. It’s an extraordinary feeling and for me, it’s a dream come true,” added the young driver.

For twelve days, he thus becomes the second youngest driver in history to step onto an F1 podium, only beaten by Max Verstappen. Now comes the hardest part: maintaining this level.