“Worst rookie in the history of Formula 1” – Lance Stroll has come a long way this season and demolished his ‘pay driver’ tag

“Worst rookie in the history of Formula 1” – Lance Stroll reveals he has always been bullied for being a ‘pay driver’, despite letting his track performance do the talking.

With all the noise of Lance Stroll of being a ‘pay driver’, people forget that he is a former F4 Italian and F3 European champion. And this season with Racing Point, he has already been on the podium twice and is Top 10 in the Drivers’ Standings. Yes, the same driver who was was labeled the “worst rookie in the history of Formula 1” by compatriot Jacques Villeneuve.

The main source of criticism is the fact that he has been ‘responsible’ for two drivers losing seats. First, it was Esteban Ocon last season after Stroll switched from Williams, and now Sergio Perez is making way for Sebastian Vettel next season, with Racing Point’s new avatar Aston Martin. Speaking to BBC Sport, the Canadian called this sad but suggested it is a ‘necessary evil’ for an expensive sport like F1.

“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.”

“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.”

Also read: “I owe an apology” – Lando Norris apologizes to Lance Stroll after abusing him on team radio during Portuguese Grand Prix

Lance Stroll: Goal is to be an F1 World Champion

Now that Stroll is establishing himself well in the F1 paddock, he has his eyes set on taking the crown this decade. With new regulations coming in from 2022, which will (hopefully) break the Mercedes dominance, Stroll and Aston Martin could do amazing things together.

“The goal is and has always been to be a World Champion. 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.”

“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.”