Lance Stroll endured yet another disappointing qualifying session at his home grand prix in Montreal and will start the race from 17th place.
In a strange move by Williams, it left the 18-year old out on the same set of ultra-soft tyres and did not call him in for new tyres all session long, this turned out to be costly as Sauber’s Pascal Wehrlein crashed into Turn 1 causing yellow flags preventing Stroll from starting a final flying lap.
“We went out at the beginning and stayed on the same set of tyres the whole session,” said Stroll. “I felt the grip was getting better, but I think the track was just improving.
“I think the decision not to pit for new tyres towards the end of Q1 had a bit to do with me not getting through, but it is too hard to say. You can always look back afterwards and say we should have done this and we should have done that, but we are in the position we are in.”
Due to the fast nature of the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit, Stroll believes he can make up places during the race despite his poor grid position. It will be his first home race in Formula 1 and he says he wants to enjoy it.
“Obviously, we are starting a little bit further back than we would want to, but it is a long race, overtaking is possible and you never know what will happen,” Stroll added. “We have to stay focused and positive. This is my first home Grand Prix, which is great and I am aiming to enjoy it.”
