Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, defended Lance Stroll over his driving seat in Formula 1. He faces unfair stigma because of his father’s monetary status.
Stroll, Racing Point driver, is having the best season in F1. He managed to score more than last two seasons combined with a podium at Italian Grand Prix.
The Canadian driver career at F1 is often linked to his father, Lawrence. Even his switch to racing point before his father bought the team.
Racing Point engaged four times world champion, Sebastian Vettel, who will be leaving Ferrari at the end of this season.
Team commented that despite efforts to engage Vettel, it was never on the list to let go off Stroll. Sergio Perez will be replaced by the Vettel.
Wolff Defended Stroll
Stroll is not the only one, who is supported in career by his father. But Wolff doesn’t agree. He supported Stroll for being worthy of his seat at F1
“Name me one [driver] this season that is not there on merit,” said Wolff.
“Let’s look at Lance. And I’m not biased here, because I agree it should be a meritocracy.
“He won the Italian F4 championship, won the European F3 championship, has been on the podium twice, and has qualified for the first row in Monza in the rain.
“I don’t think we can say just because his father is a billionaire that he’s not here on merit.
“I think he’s actually suffering from the stigma that is just not right.
“He can’t do anything for his father being very successful in his own right.
“It’s even more impressive that a kid with that environment chooses the most competitive or one of the most competitive sports in the world. Honestly, there is no discussion.”
Wolff defended the records of both Latifi and Mazepin. Both have won races in F2. And similarly both supported by their wealthy parents.
“Nicholas won races in F2, and we haven’t seen what he’s capable of, it’s his first season,” Wolff said.
“But he’s not somebody when you look at the years 10 years ago. I don’t even remember the guys, that have arrived in F1 without having even won a single race in a competitive junior series.
“About next year, let’s not discredit Nikita before having seen him.
“I think Nikita has been a regular front runner now in the F2 season – I think he won some races, or at least he was competing for some of the race wins.
“I think we’re in the best possible state. We had much more drivers who came in only because they paid five or six years ago.
“But maybe I have a wrong recollection. I don’t want to name anybody, but you know who I mean.”
