Williams F1 driver Stroll linked with Force India switch for 2019
Lance Stroll has been strongly linked with a move to Force India next season, with the Canadian admitting his Formula 1 future may not be with Williams
On the back of Williams's struggles this season, Stroll has been evaluating his options in order to secure himself the most competitive seat possible for 2019.
Sources have now suggested that Force India has emerged as Stroll's leading option, should the Canadian decide his F1 future is better served away from Williams.
A move to the Silverstone-based team should give him a more competitive seat than he has had this year, while Force India could benefit from any financial injection that Stroll's family can offer.
A cash boost may also coincide with a move by Force India to try to firm up closer ties with Mercedes, in a similar way to Sauber's partnership with Ferrari on the technical front and with its junior drivers.
Speaking ahead of the German Grand Prix, Stroll said his future was currently uncertain, but hinted his place at Williams would likely depend on the outfit making a recovery soon.
"I would like to see us improve and get to where we want to get to as a team," he said, when asked if he wanted to stay at Williams next year.
"I also want to do what's best for me as a driver, so we will come to all the conclusions at the right time and figure out what's best for the future."
He added: "I don't know yet what I'm doing or where my future is going. I'm still focused on where I am right now, what I'm doing today and we'll see what the future holds."
Although there have been suggestions a deal with Force India could be completed in a matter of weeks, Stroll said his focus for now was helping to sort Williams's fortunes.
"I'm not going to comment in detail on all that kind of stuff, I'm really just focussing on every weekend - where I am right now, the racing," he said. "There is plenty going on.
"Right now, I think there is a lot of unfinished business in Formula 1.
"I got to experience some amazing highlights as a rookie last year and some difficult times as well, which I expected coming into my rookie year but all in all a great rookie season.
"This year, I think we are all quite surprised, shocked by the performance of the package and where we are. So I don't think it's time to end it on this kind of note."
Share Or Save This Story
How the more technical F1 2026 regulations hinder customer teams
Russell and Hamilton contract renewals reveal the Verstappen-McLaren rumours to be nonsense
Exclusive: Leclerc on his Ferrari extension and the love he has for his "dream" F1 squad
Aston Martin's harsh reality was exposed in Monaco and Barcelona
Aston Martin’s “random downshifts” leave Alonso wary of Monaco GP crashes
What's next for Aston Martin and Honda after torrid start to F1 2026?
Why Williams is still feeling the weight of expectation
Sainz handed unprecedented penalty after F1 British GP
Why similar Williams and Aston Martin failures are oddly reassuring
What Verstappen did – and didn't – say about his F1 future and McLaren at Spa
“A shock to the system” – Why teams fear the worst with F1’s 2026 cars at Spa
Red Bull parks 'Macarena' rear wing for Belgian GP after Verstappen crashes
Norris given Belgium GP grid penalty as McLaren takes new Mercedes power unit parts
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments