Lawrence Stroll, the father of driver Lance, insists he had faith in Williams to turn around their disastrous start to the season and is not considering his son's future elsewhere.

The billionaire fashion mogul is known to be a significant source of revenue for the British team that has seen a recent downward turn accelerate in 2018 with a car that signalled a change in philosophy from recent years but has since proven flawed.

Stroll Sr. has been seen to be actively following the efforts of Williams to find solutions and it is because of that the Canadian claims he is confident the team remains the right place for Lance.

“We’re not there yet,” he told Motorsport.com. “I believe in Williams, I believe in the team. Clearly they got it wrong so far.

“I do believe this is a rude awakening, and hopefully it will bring the best out of the people and they’ll fix it. I’m sure not as quick as we’d like, and not as quick as they’d like either but we’re not going anywhere else."

One option some have touted is Williams forging a partnership with Mercedes akin to that Haas has with Ferrari, with the German manufacturer admitting they are interested in the idea.

Stroll has previously suggested he would not be willing to further invest to make that happen and now he has revealed he has no power to even put it forward.

“I’m not a board member, I don’t own one share of this team, I’m simply Lance’s father," he said. “Whatever they can do to make the car go better, I’m in favour of, let’s put it that way.”

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Technical officer Paddy Lowe is the man tasked with turning around Williams' season, which has consisted of just four points and means they sit bottom of the Constructors' Championship.

Ahead of this weekend's Monaco GP, the former Mercedes man explained what was currently being done behind the scenes.

"We’re very busy doing a lot of work to fix those issues. None of those fixes are in place unfortunately and we haven’t yet brought anything that solves those.

“We have put in place a programme with the team, which we call a recovery programme. That programme is timed up to the midseason point but I can’t guarantee anything,” he added.

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff claims Red Bull are furious that a range of aerodynamic changes have been agreed in an attempt to improve overtaking from 2019.

At the end of last month, just four teams (Mercedes, Williams, Force India and Sauber) approved the measures which will see a simpler and wider front wing along with a deeper rear wing introduced as part of a first step towards a wider overhaul of the design rules in 2021 with the aim of promoting closer racing.

During the Spanish GP weekend, Red Bull boss Christian Horner bemoaned the decision describing it as "rushed" before advisor Helmut Marko suggested Mercedes' motive was to "hurt us".

“Sometimes this sport has the ability to shoot itself in the foot,” Horner continued to Sky Sports. “The work that has been done for 2021 is all good stuff the problem is a snapshot of that has been taken and hasn’t been fully analysed and there are no proven conclusions from it.

“It has then been rushed into a set of regulations that completely conflict with existing regulations so they are now scrapping around trying to sort that out this weekend. It completely changes the philosophy of the car because the front wing will be wider and different."

Those comments drew a response from Wolff, who later told the same broadcaster: “I haven’t seen them that livid, it seems to be upsetting them massively, I don’t know why. For us it was a 50-50 decision. We wanted to be supportive of the work that’s been done and the direction looks correct.”

Ferrari also voted against the decision with Sebastian Vettel calling the move "comical" as once again F1 proves itself incapable of taking a direction and sticking with it, but FIA president Jean Todt welcomed what was the surprise approval of the proposals.

“We hear all the time from the drivers that the cars can’t get close to each other,” the Frenchman was quoted by Racer.

“I read the press conference transcripts – [Lewis] Hamilton, Vettel, [Kimi] Raikkonen, they all complained and they’re [racing] in the front. Can you imagine what it’s like at the back? And you all complain – I read what you write.

“I feel that if we understand that something is wrong we should try to find a solution. We all say we want to have a better sport, a better show, so let’s do something.

“So we are trying to make the sport better. We try, using the proper governance – which as you know is not the easiest thing in Formula 1 – to make a proposal. So that’s why we made this proposal and by a miracle, it was accepted.”

FIA president Jean Todt is increasingly sure Ferrari will not follow through on their threat to leave Formula 1 at the end of 2020.

Concerns over the future direction taking by Liberty Media both from a sporting and financial aspect led chairman Sergio Marchionne to do what his successor Luca di Montezemolo had done and put the future of the sport's most famous team into question.

However, with talks ongoing over striking a deal on 2021 regulations that suit all, Todt, himself a former team boss at the Scuderia, believes that prospect is easing.

“Ferrari is an iconic brand,” the Frenchman was quoted by PlanetF1. “There are several reasons for that, and one of them is that the sport is very important for them. Ferrari profits from racing and racing profits from them.

“I’m convinced that if we set up a good format, they will continue to be interested.”

The main aim of CEO Chase Carey, motorsport boss Ross Brawn and others, however, is to dramatically shift the balance of power in F1 and ensuring the structure is beneficial for all competitors.

“We have to do something that’s good for ten teams, not just one,” he insisted.

“More than half of the teams are in difficulty, and that’s not good for the premier discipline of motorsport. That’s why we have to do something about the discrepancy between the teams.”

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In addition, there is also the interests of other manufacturers to consider with Mercedes and Renault having fingers in many pies across the motorsport spectrum.

Last week, managing director at the latter, Cyril Abiteboul, criticised the direction the sport has taken in the last decade or so describing the changes in the same terms as Ferrari has.

“We can’t just mix it all up,” the Frenchman told Speed Week. “The life of the engine, the durability of tyres, the amount of fuel, this is for me no part of the F1 DNA.

“Le Mans was always about reliability, but Grand Prix racing should always be sprint racing from the lights to the flag.

“In my view, F1 must be clear about what it represents for the fans," he added. "With hybrid technology, we have breathed a modern wind but I do not understand what the real message is.

“We have a very good saying that to me applies in F1 — you should never fix something that is not broken.”

The pressure is building on a number of key personnel within McLaren in the wake of what is perceived as disappointing performances during the 2018 season.

Though Fernando Alonso has finished in the points so far, one of the only a few with that distinction, the results of his teammate Stoffel Vandoorne are some way short of what was hoped with just eight points to his name so far.

With Formula 2 racer and reserve driver Lando Norris poised and desperate for a promotion, the Belgian insists that gap is not representative of their relative pace.

“The difference between Alonso and me is extremely small and when you’re fighting with some of the best drivers in the world, even having a good day does not guarantee that you finish ahead of them," he was quoted by PlanetF1.

“Fernando is one of the most complete drivers on the grid when it comes to squeezing everything out of any car he drives but we are not as far apart as it may sometimes appear.”

Also facing scrutiny is racing director Eric Boullier, who was drafted in following the demise of Lotus in 2014, but the Frenchman too is prepared to fight for his place in the wake of Tim Goss' departure just a few weeks ago.

“Yes, I believe it,” he said when asked if he still had the confidence that he can turn McLaren back into a winning team.

“In the past I have managed, revitalised and restructured several teams, and I have won with all of them in all categories, I know my job, we have to make sure that we can do it.

“We know what we have to do, we have to improve in reliability and performance, now there are other teams with the same engine, so we have references, it’s a long road, this has been another step, a good job has been done to recover the reliability from the tests.”

Interestingly, speculation continues to also link Alonso with the exit door at the end of the season too with the same publication, Diario Gol, reporting for the third time the double world champion could leave but this time they have a possible new destination in mind.

“The possibility of seeing the Spaniard in a Haas next season is not far-fetched," they claim.

“The owners of the team, Americans, want to take the team to a higher level. They have invested a lot of money in the car and now they want to do it in a driver.”

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko hasn't exactly quelled speculation that Pascal Wehrlein could be drafted in to replace Brendon Hartley this season.

The rumours are arising as the New Zealander continues to struggle for results with just a solitary 10th place to his name in Baku after making the transition from WEC late last year, replacing current Renault driver Carlos Sainz.

Former Manor and Sauber driver Wehrlein is seen as a strong option, with many believing the German, who is also part of Mercedes' young driver program, deserves to be on the Formula 1 grid.

Reports had suggested he could be in the junior team as soon as Canada alongside Pierre Gasly but that was a claim Marko denied.

“That’s not the intention at the moment,” he told Auto Motor und Sport clearly suggesting that doesn't mean a change isn't been considered.

Now Wehrlein is racing with Mercedes in their final year as part of the DTM grid, a championship he won in 2015, but is thought to have a clause allowing him to leave if an opportunity in F1 re-arises.

And though the technical feedback and race pace Hartley possesses are considered an asset to Toro Rosso, if he doesn't start contributing to the points tally in the frenetic midfield battle, he already knows how harsh Marko and the Red Bull environment is.

Max Verstappen hopes his solid drive to third at the Spanish GP can be the springboard to change his fortunes following a tough start to 2018.

The Dutchman has been under fire for much of the year following three high profile incidents with Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and teammate Daniel Ricciardo in the three-race period from Bahrain to Baku.

In Barcelona though, site of his first Formula 1 win, he kept his head, emerging unscathed from just clipping the back of Lance Stroll's Williams at the VSC restart to fend off Vettel and claim his first podium of the year.

“It feels nice to be on the podium and nice to have a good clean race so yeah, hopefully we can work from here and score a lot of good results,” Verstappen said.

His boss Christian Horner agreed, adding: “It is good to get both cars to the finish, we did everything we could strategically. Max did a great job fending off Sebastian, albeit with a wounded car.

“For Max to stand on the podium for the first time this season, it will really settle him and get him on his way.

“We are looking forward to the next race in Monaco. Both drivers have gone round well there so that is an opportunity for us."

Ricciardo wasn't so pleased, however, admitting he was struggling for consistency in his RB14 throughout the race, as was highlighted by a spin at the Turn 10 hairpin during the VSC period.

“It was just a bit tricky to drive. It was fast when you were able to put it all together but easy to make mistakes. It was a bit on a knife-edge," said the Australian.

“If you got lucky, you could put in a blistering lap but probably 1 out of 5 I could make it happen and the other four laps I was sliding and struggling to stay on.”

An idea to have the British Grand Prix as Formula 1's 1000th race had to be dropped because of concerns over the weather it has been revealed.

The third race of the 2019 season will have the honour of marking the incredible milestone and to celebrate, owners Liberty Media had considered giving Silverstone, the venue of the first race in 1950, the privilege.

Ironically, next year's British race could also be the last with organisers activating a break clause in their contract with the commercial rights holder and talks over a new deal continuing, but aware of the significance of the occasion, F1 bosses wanted to make sure it was done properly.

“Silverstone is the heritage of this sport,” commercial director Sean Bratches told Sky Sports. “It’s at the nucleus of what we’re about, it was the home of the first Grand Prix.

“We have the 1,000th Grand Prix next year and we wanted to do it at Silverstone. I had good conversations with John Grant [BRDC chairman] but the consensus was that the weather is sub-optimal in April for a Grand Prix there.”

Britain has hosted an April race before in 2000, however, such was the level of rain in the weeks prior and during the weekend itself, even though facilities are now greatly improved, to risk a repeat was not viable.

As a result, it is now likely the distinction could fall at the Chinese Grand Prix, likely much to the chagrin of long-time fans, but Bratches admitted there might be some positives from that.

“China is a great place to race,” he said via Reuters. “It’s part of our future and we’re excited about going there for that particular race.

“Next year we’re going to celebrate it as the year of the 1,000th Grand Prix so you’re going to see integrations across the year celebrating this incredible milestone.”

Lewis Hamilton has claimed his passion to fight for the Formula 1 title is now the highest it ever has been in the wake of his win at the Spanish GP.

Following three tough races, despite also winning in Baku two weeks prior, the world champion was back at his unstoppable best in Barcelona claiming victory by over 20 seconds from teammate Valtteri Bottas.

As a result, his lead in the Drivers' Championship now stands at 17 points over main rival Sebastian Vettel and he claimed the type of victory he achieved brought him a much greater sense of satisfaction.

“I think today has been a rejuvenating experience. It is the greatest feeling to come here and have that kind of performance and then win convincingly. That is what anybody with a win wants to do, do it that way," he said.

“It is definitely a great, great feeling and I think you could probably see form my energy when I got out the car I think not every win feels as great as that one does.

“To think that is my 64th, it still feels like a first, special and unique in its own way."

Tougher races are coming for the Briton and German manufacturer, however, with the streets of Monaco expected to suit Ferrari and Red Bull and plenty of upcoming circuits where the softer compounds that have been so troublesome, will be used.

“Already this is the hardest year that I’ve faced, in the car, at the track, away from the track,” he told Sky F1. “But the will to want to win this championship is greater than it’s ever been.

“The pressure and the passion that I have to win this championship is far greater than I’ve ever had it. How is that possible because I’ve had it as great as it could be in the past?

“But [I have] the will to want to get this one and do it right, perfect weekend in, weekend out.”

The FIA has revealed the key factor which led to the banning of Ferrari's innovative Halo-mounted mirrors, which were used at the Spanish GP.

Weeks before they were revealed as part of the Scuderia's upgrade package at the Barcelona circuit, Formula 1's governing body gave the concept the green light after a team had asked for clarification.

When their design appeared, however, the inclusion of what was clearly a winglet as a secondary mounting point to stabilise the mirrors took the idea beyond what the FIA deemed acceptable and resulted in the Italian team being told to remove them from this weekend's Monaco GP.

“Whilst the FIA accepts that teams will legitimately design the mirrors, housings and mountings to minimise any negative aerodynamic effects they may cause, we believe that any aerodynamic benefits should be incidental, or at least minimal," a statement read.

“In order to ensure this is the case, all mountings must provide a meaningful structural contribution to the mounting system or be mounted to the lower and/or inboard surface(s) of the mirror housing.

“As the criteria for determining the eligibility of a mounting are to some extent subjective, the FIA would be available to discuss the legality of a new design before you introduce it in a race, to avoid wasting resource, time or money."

As for why Ferrari was still allowed to use the mirror design in Spain despite being declared illegal during the weekend, FIA race director added: “If it was a clear breach of the regulations they wouldn’t have been allowed to use it here. But we’ll clarify that to everybody.”

Sebastian Vettel has conceded Pirelli did the right thing to alter the tyres for last weekend's Spanish GP, following his own experience at the post-race test.

The Italian supplier reduced the tread on the compounds by a few millimetres in an effort to avoid a repeat of the blistering several teams suffered during pre-season at the same Barcelona circuit, which had been resurfaced just a few weeks prior.

One notable beneficiary was Mercedes as the issues with temperatures they have faced at the last three races were nowhere in sight and allowing Lewis Hamilton to secure a dominant victory.

Vettel then suggested the tyres were the sole reason for the Brackley outfit's turnaround in performance and the problems Ferrari faced.

“It is hard to say how it would have been without the change but I think it probably impacted on us more than the others," Vettel said after the race last Sunday.

“Overall it has been a decent weekend, we just need to understand for tyres what to do. I think we have these tyres again in Paul Ricard and Silverstone.”

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On Tuesday, however, his tone changed after the 30-year-old suffered from blistering himself when using the standard-spec tyres during the post-Grand Prix test.

"I think it's pretty straightforward," he said.

"Obviously you don't get the chance to revisit this kind of decisions that are made [very often], but we did it today and the result is that if we had had the normal tyres on Sunday, it would have probably been worse, so it was the correct call.

"It was our fault for not having the same tyre wear or life as other people."

His comments were greatly received by Pirelli's motorsport chief Mario Isola who has claimed the company had been surprised by thoughts of bias towards Mercedes.

“Absolutely. I am very happy, I cannot hide that I am very happy! After a weekend like the last one, yes.”