Bottas sets high expectations for Stroll

F1 News – Valtteri Bottas says he expects new Williams team-mate Lance Stroll to “learn quickly” when the Canadian youngster graduates to Formula 1 with the outfit next season.

Bottas will enter his fifth season in motorsport’s top echelon with Williams but for the first time will be paired with a rookie, having previously been partnered by Grand Prix winners in Pastor Maldonado and Felipe Massa.

Stroll, who turned 18 last weekend, claimed the European Formula 3 title in 2016, his third title in as many years, and Bottas expects his new team-mate to quickly get up to speed.

“He’s obviously a very talented young driver, he’s going to learn quickly, I’m looking forward to being paired with him and pushing the team forward,” he said.

“I haven’t worked with Lance properly yet, I’ve met him a few times, and had a very good chat, he seems like a really nice guy.

“He’s obviously a good driver, I’m sure everything will go well with Lance and we can be a good pair for the team.”

Bottas also paid tribute to current team-mate Massa, who will bring down the curtain on a 14-year Formula 1 career at this month’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“I have big respect for Felipe’s career, so hopefully the last two races will go well,” he commented.

Category: Formula One