Canadian teenager Lance Stroll stepped into the Formula 1 "limelight" as a 2017 Williams driver on Thursday "and faced the immediate question of how much he owed to his billionaire father’s money -- and when he would pass his driving test," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. He said, "Everyone has their own opinion, I can’t change that. I come from money, I’m not going to deny that, but I believe I earned my shot in F1 because I’ve won every championship that I’ve competed in. ... I don’t want to say exactly when I’ll be able to show everyone that I’m not just here for money because that depends on so many other things and details coming into place, but I’m just going to worry about my business." Williams Deputy Principal Claire Williams recognized "there had been a lot of talk about Stroll’s background," with father Lawrence bankrolling his son’s career to date, but the team’s driver choice "was not influenced by financial considerations." Williams: "Money doesn’t drive performance in the cockpit. You either have the talent or you don’t, and I think that Lance has proved that he’s got that talent and he’s done what he’s done in order to earn his race seat" (REUTERS, 11/3). CNN's Sarah Holt reported Lawrence Stroll "made his money in fashion retail" and according to Forbes is worth $2.4B. Stroll Sr. "also collects vintage Ferraris and sparked his son's love of racing when he bought him a kart for his fifth birthday." Stroll Jr. said, "To be racing in Formula One in 2017 is incredible, I can't thank Williams enough for showing faith in my ability. Racing in F1 was something I dreamed about as a young kid." Stroll "is now eligible to join the F1 grid after reaching his 18th birthday and doing enough on track to qualify for a mandatory super license." Williams "has opted to stick with a blend of youth and experience as it retains Finn Bottas for a fifth season" (CNN, 11/3).
