Force India announces that Lance Stroll will drive for his father’s team from 2019 onwards

Lance Stroll has been confirmed to drive for Racing Point Force India in 2019 having signed a long-term deal. 

After a two-year stint at Williams, the 20-year-old Canadian will step into his father’s team alongside Sergio Pérez. Lance Stroll also tested for Force India in Abu Dhabi this week, setting his fastest time of 1min 37.415sec to finish fourth-fastest overall.

Williams finished 10^th in the constructors’ standings with seven points, Lance Stroll delivering the team’s highest finish of eighth in Azerbaijan this season.

“I’m pleased that we can finally confirm Lance’s arrival to race alongside Sergio next year,” said CEO and team principal Otmar Szafnauer. 

“It gives us an exciting line-up with the perfect blend of youth, talent, and experience. Lance is only 20 and already has two years of Formula 1 experience under his belt, as well as a podium finish [in Azerbaijan, 2017] and a front-row start.

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“We see huge potential in Lance and believe we can create an environment in which he can flourish.

“Our team has enjoyed great success nurturing and developing young and talented drivers, and we are very excited to begin our journey with Lance. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Esteban Ocon for his contribution to the team over the last two seasons and wish him well for the future.”

Lance Stroll added: “This is the beginning of an incredibly exciting journey in my Formula 1 career. I look forward to working alongside a successful team with a great culture.”

Mark Hughes reported that Esteban Ocon, facing the loss of his seat after Lawrence Stroll’s takeover of Force India, was poised to move to Renault – until Daniel Ricciardo made the surprise jump from Red Bull. That paved the way for Robert Kubica to drive for Williams from 2019 as George Russell’s team-mate.