Stroll wants 'close working relationship' with Sirotkin

Lance Stroll has insisted that he is eager to form a 'close working relationship' with new Williams driver Sergey Sirotkin following a campaign with Felipe Massa in which the duo never really connected, and is excited for the upcoming season which is just his second in F1.

Stroll made his debut alongside Massa last year at the age of just 18 and finished twelfth in the rankings, claiming 40 points and a podium place.

Williams were the last team on the grid to confirm their two drivers for the 2018 campaign, and Sirotkin was eventually chosen ahead of Robert Kubica, who was aiming to make his comeback from a career-threatening injury suffered a few years ago.

Stroll has claimed that he is looking forward to this new partnership.

“I would like to welcome Sergey to Williams and I am looking forward to having him as my team-mate,” Stroll said.

“I know Sergey and I am sure we will very quickly form a close working relationship.

“I really enjoyed my rookie season with the team, and there were a number of memorable highlights, on which I’ll look to build on in the coming season. I’m looking forward to Barcelona, and driving the new FW41 for the first time.”

Williams have been criticised for choosing drivers due to financial reasons with both Stroll and Sirotkin having substantial resources backing their F1 careers, and Massa was one of the figures in the sport who pushed this idea which strained his relationship with the young Canadian.