For a 19-year-old Lance Stroll is a pretty pragmatic fellow and makes no secret of the fact that he realises that his father's big money got him where he is today on the Formula 1 grid with Williams but the young Canadian is adamant that he earned a shot at the big time because of his results too.
Stroll admitted in a recent interview, "Money has opened doors, no question. We're talking about an extremely expensive sport. There are countless drivers who are denied this opportunity, drivers who are very talented but at some point stranded due to lack of money."
"I am well aware of that. I think that's a pity, but that's the way it is. I worked hard for the step into Formula 1, and without my wins and titles, I would not be with Williams now. If Williams did not believe in me, I would not have got the place, it's that simple."
Backed by his father Lawrence Stroll's reported $3.5-billion fortune Stroll junior has claimed the Italian Formula 4 title in 2014, champion of the 2015 Toyota Racing Series, 2016 Formula 3 2016 and with these results securing a super-licence.
Thereafter a $40-million testing programme followed and last year he graduated into Formula 1 with Williams at the age of 18.
Stroll explained, "From my point of view it works like that - first you need someone to support you. The family or a sponsor. That helps for the step from karting in race cars or from Canada to Europe."
"But then you are on your own. Money does not buy any victories no matter how much support you have, it's you and the steering wheel, and only your foot on the gas. If I am not good at that, then it's not enough."
"Money provides opportunities, a seat in Formula 4, a seat in a good karting team and in Formula 3. But you need results to get a Super License and only then will you be allowed to drive in Formula 1. I have earned these points."
Ironically one of Stroll's biggest critics is fellow countryman and F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, but the teenager is not fazed, "Basically, I hardly notice what he says which is always negative. Never had a word of support from him, not even our podium finish in Baku."
Stroll will continue with Williams in 2018 and will be joined by a new teammate after Felipe Massa's retirement at the end of the last season. Sergey Sirotkin and Robert Kubica are in the running for the seat. But it appears that the former is most likely to secure the drive.
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