There was mixed feelings for Lance Stroll after scoring an impressive fourth place at the German Grand Prix.
The Canadian, who is known for his skills in the wet, flourished in Hockenheim and took the gamble to be the first driver to return to slicks after Nico Hulkenberg had crashed with 20 laps to go.
It proved inspired as he very briefly led when the rest pitted but after Max Verstappen had steamed back through, the pace of Daniil Kvyat and Sebastian Vettel also proved too much as he slipped to fourth.
“It’s a bit unfortunate that the podium slipped away from us today because we were definitely in a position to finish on the podium with 20 laps to go,” Stroll said post-race.
“A small error in Turn 8 allowed Dany to get by, that was a bit disappointing but aside from that it was a hectic race, and we were in the back for the majority of it but we were on the right tyre with 20 laps to go.
“We tried our best to keep the quicker cars behind, but the podium was just out of reach. Today’s race shows why you should never give up because it’s never over until it’s over.”
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While Stroll saw the chance to add to his Baku 2017 podium slip away, he was thrilled to see what P4 meant to his Racing Point team.
“It’s great to see how much this result means to the team and it was so special to see the crew celebrating on the pit wall when I crossed the line,” he said.
“This important result is for everyone in the team and we will enjoy this moment.”
The result was also great news for title sponsor SportsPesa as his 11 places gained meant £11,000 for the Breast Cancer Care in an initiative that began at Silverstone.
And as for team boss Otmar Szafnauer, almost a year exactly since the former Force India team went into administration, it was also a special day.
“We rolled the dice a few times with Lance’s strategy, but we timed the final switch to dry tyres perfectly and Lance emerged in the lead of the race for a short while,” he said.
“We gave it everything to try and bring home the podium and we were looking comfortable holding off Bottas.
“Without the late safety car, we might have pulled it off, but the fourth place feels incredibly satisfying. It was a fantastic drive by Lance in very tricky conditions.”
“We gave it everything to try and bring home the podium and we were looking comfortable holding off Bottas.
“Without the late safety car, we might have pulled it off, but the fourth place feels incredibly satisfying. It was a fantastic drive by Lance in very tricky conditions.”
