Lance Stroll uses the criticism from those who consider him privileged as fuel to prove he has the talent to back it up.
The Canadian doesn’t deny that being the son of billionaire businessman Lawrence has presented him opportunities that others haven’t had as a former Ferrari junior and having got his chance in Formula 1 with Williams aged just 18 in 2017.
However, having that financial support also has its downsides as Stroll explained to the BBC recently.
“Formula 1 is extremely expensive. There have been a lot of drivers with plenty of talent that never had that financial support, and unfortunately never made it – that is sad but that’s the sport we’re in,” he said.
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“This has been what it’s like from the start. Even when I was karting I would get bullied for my background – just like picked on, people saying I had an easy ride.
“I got used to that at a young age. I’ve always thought to myself that I’m just going to do my talking on the track.
“The rest is noise; it’s part of the circus. I think the important thing is for me to recognise that and use it as positive energy, just to use it as fuel and try and prove people wrong.”
An underwhelming first few years only added to his reputation as a so-called ‘pay driver’, and now seemingly having a seat for life at his father’s team, Racing Point also hasn’t won him many fans.
Yet this year Stroll did go a long way towards silencing those critics, claiming two podiums and a maiden F1 pole in tricky conditions in Turkey.
Looking forward, however, the 22-year-old only has one target in mind.
“The goal is and has always been to be a World Champion,” Stroll declared.
“I’m sure that’s everyone’s goal, up and down the grid. I don’t think any of us, well I know I definitely wouldn’t compete if I didn’t want to be World Champion and win races.”
And the combination of Aston Martin’s efficiency and the new 2022 regulations could provide the perfect opportunity to really join Mercedes and Red Bull at the front of the grid.
“I think this could really mix things up, level the playing field, and by then who knows who will have the best car or what Formula 1 will look like,” he noted.