Lance Stroll will join Racing Point Force India Team for 2019 to race alongside Sergio Perez. The Frenchman hadn’t performed very well for the Williams team last season, but Force India believes Stroll still has a very bright future ahead of him.
Speaking at a press conference, the 20-year-old driver has pledged his comment to the team as part of a long-term deal.
“This is the beginning of an incredibly exciting journey in my Formula One career. I look forward to working alongside a successful team with a great culture. It’s a new challenge and I am excited to embrace this new opportunity!” Stroll said.
Stroll and Perez got a head start on their 2019 rivals on this weekend when they took part in tyre testing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Force India was placed under judicial administration just before the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July, following an action by Perez, who at the time said he had done so to “save the team”.
Meanwhile, Otmar Szafnauer said: “I’m pleased that we can finally confirm Lance’s arrival to race alongside Sergio next year. It gives us an exciting line-up with the perfect blend of youth, talent, and experience.”
“Lance is only twenty and already has two years of F1 experience under his belt, as well as a podium finish and a front row start. We see huge potential in Lance and believe we can create an environment in which he can flourish.” Szafnauer added.
Lance Stroll will partner Sergio Perez at Force India for the Formula One 2019 season. (Source:www.skysports.com)
Esteban Ocon moved to become test and reserve driver with Mercedes next year after his last race for Force India in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Our team has enjoyed great success nurturing and developing young and talented drivers, and we are very excited to begin our journey with Lance. It would also like to take the opportunity to thanks Esteban Ocon for his contribution to the team over last two seasons and wish him well for the future.” Szafnauer said.
Lance Stroll, tenured at Williams in 2017, had a season of misery in the British team. He finished 18th in the drivers standings, collecting points in Azerbaijan and Italy Grand Prix this season.
Since his arrival in F1 in the wake of his title at the European Championship F3, the young Canadian has 41 starts in Grand Prix with best result a 3rd place acquired in Baku in 2017 and a start in front row at Monza the same year.
