Lance Stroll: Like every boy, I had a dream

      Lance Stroll spoke with Pedro de la Rosa during another episode of the official Aston Martin team podcast, and their conversation covered various topics related to the career of the Canadian driver, who made his Formula 1 debut nearly a decade ago...

      Source of Inspiration

      "Michael Schumacher. He truly inspired me, and I had a dream of getting into Formula 1. I remember turning on the TV to see him behind the wheel of a red car... Fernando Alonso, my teammate, will definitely not like hearing this. But like every boy, I had my passionate dream."

      Podium at 18

      "The transition from F3 straight to Formula 1 was very challenging. I dominated in the junior series, I was comfortable behind the wheel, I felt confident, and when I moved to F1, Williams was 20 seconds a lap faster than the F3 car. It took me time to adapt physically and psychologically.

      And I will never forget standing on the podium in Baku when I was 18. Before that race in 2017, we made a lot of changes to the setup, and it worked. I felt an incredibly joyful feeling!"

      Participation in a GT Race

      "I decided to participate in a GT race just out of curiosity. I hadn't even planned it, but the idea came up with two of my friends. It was during a break in the season, and I wanted to do something in my free time. I had a GT3 car that I bought to drive during track days, and I thought it was a good opportunity to have some fun."

      Love for Racing

      "I really enjoy when the battle on the track is wheel to wheel. Like any driver, I would prefer to lead with a half-minute advantage and think about what I want to order for dinner. But I love competition, I love when the race takes place in changing weather conditions.

      It's so interesting when you go out onto the starting grid, and the first drops of rain appear, and you don't know which tires are better to start on, whether you'll make the right choice, and whether you'll gain an advantage?

      I love when there are many events happening on the track, when you have to constantly think and make decisions. For example, it was like that in 2024 in Canada.

      It was raining, and then the track started to dry, but only on the main line, and if you went off it, there was a big risk of hitting the barrier. Such races require incredible concentration, and I finished seventh. I think it was one of the best races of my life."

      That's Formula 1

      "Not every driver gets a chance to win. I got that chance in 2020 in Turkey, where I secured pole and led for a long time, but it wasn't my day. Maybe it was my only chance to win a race, but I was unlucky...

      Sometimes I finish 15th, but I think I drove like a winner, yet no one noticed. But that's Formula 1. We know that not all cars in our sport are the same. You can finish 15th, but deep down, you know you had an incredibly great race..."

      What Needs to Change in the Next Five Years

      "We need to improve in all areas. Every race weekend gives me some information that needs to be analyzed. After that, I get back behind the wheel, becoming stronger. This obsession with racing doesn't go away, but it requires constant perseverance.

      There is always room for improvement, but we need to understand how to make the car better in preparation for the next Grand Prix. The learning process in motorsport never stops."

      Luxury

      "We are lucky; we enjoy being in Formula 1, and it's a real luxury. It's no secret that the last two years have been tough for Aston Martin. The team is not at the level we want to be, but you, Pedro, always try to encourage everyone and lift our spirits. That's why I consider you a good friend."