2019 Summary – Lance Stroll: a seat full of questions
The end of the year is approaching and it's time to analyze the drivers' performances in 2019. Motors Inside offers you a retrospective on the season of Lance Stroll, one of the divisive figures in the paddock. The first season of the Canadian driver with the Racing Point team has been sparse in results. The one who pushed a certain Esteban Ocon out has been struggling to convince.
If the team had a second chance in 2019, it is partly thanks to Lance Stroll. Engaged in Formula 1 with Williams in 2018, Lance was looking for a seat in a more competitive team.
With the contribution of the consortium led by the Canadian driver’s father and the difficulties faced by the Force India team, this was made possible through the purchase of the team, a surprise rescue that delighted everyone.
Officiating alongside an experienced Sergio Perez, the Canadian driver did not have an easy season. His record compared to his teammate is clear. The Canadian was defeated in the qualifying session 18 to 3.
In the race, Perez won the duel against his teammate 16 to 5. But where the gap was felt for the team was mainly in terms of points earned. No fewer than 31 points separate the two drivers in the overall standings.
If his name and membership in the Stroll family always come up when evaluating the driver, it should not be forgotten that this is only his third season in Formula 1, and his first with a new team. These are all factors that help to put his modest result this season into perspective.
Outside of a race in Azerbaijan, a stage that often seems to favor him considering his podium with Williams in 2017, and where he managed to finish in 9th place.
And a big surprise in Germany where Lance Stroll came within a hair’s breadth of securing an unexpected podium. His season has been a real desert crossing and a battle at the back of the pack.
Lance Stroll will be with Racing Point again next season and will need to show a different side if he wants to confirm his place in the paddock, facing rookies who have shown great things in their first Formula 1 season this year.
