Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is confident his son Lance has “world championship blood in him” in Formula 1.
The young Canadian had a rollercoaster 2020 last year, producing his best run of performances so far in his career during the first half of the season before struggling more in the second half.
Stroll’s biggest moment would come at the Turkish Grand Prix, where he claimed pole in very tricky conditions and led much of the race before floor damage wrecked his final result.
Throughout his career, however, Stroll has had to deal with claims that his father’s wealth, not his talent, has got him to where he is today, but Lawrence insists that isn’t the case.
“There are a lot of jealous people in the world and jealous people, who wish they were there in Lance’s position, do and say silly things. I don’t pay much attention to it and neither does Lance,” he told the PA news agency.
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“Do I think Lance is talented? I think he is immensely talented. I have no doubt he has demonstrated he has World Championship blood in him.
“He showed that by putting it on pole in the rain in Turkey last year when the playing field was level. There are not many people who can do that.
“The two podiums and he probably could have and should have won at Monza if not for the restart where they started him on the dirty side of the track.
“For a 22-year-old to accomplish what he accomplished last year, demonstrated his performance and his justification of being there.”
Stroll Sr also spoke highly of Sebastian Vettel, whom he drafted in to replace Sergio Perez after Ferrari opted not to extend his contract
“This team has done many things, but one thing it hasn’t done is be a World Champion,” he noted.
“What Seb brings is that mindset, the methodology, the work ethic and the planning around being a World Champion and that is invaluable
“He is unbelievably motivated to be a part of Aston Martin returning to Formula 1. There were factors on his mind last year but I don’t have one hesitation that he will be as quick as ever.”
Does that mean Stroll has no chance of beating Vettel on track this year?
“To beat Sebastian Vettel, you’re gonna have to work hard,” said Aston team boss Otmar Szafnauer.
“Sebastian’s got a great work ethic, we’re working really hard to make sure that Sebastian feels comfortable at our team, and we get him back up to his best. So it’ll be very interesting.
“Does [Lance] have the wherewithal to do it? Absolutely. But, as I said, it’s going to take a lot of hard work and I would imagine Sebastian is going to also try to beat his teammate.”