Formula 1

Teenager Stroll continuing learning curve at Albert Park

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Lance Stroll completed his first day of practice as a Formula 1 race driver on Friday - Credit: Octane Photographic Ltd

Lance Stroll completed his first official practice day as a Formula 1 driver at the Albert Park circuit in Australia on Friday, with the Williams Martini Racing driver 56 laps across the two sessions.

The Canadian admitted it was a day purely for learning in Melbourne, being the first time he’s driven the circuit, and he spent the day working through his programme whilst not quite reaching his full potential.

“For me it was a good day,” said Stroll. “I did some laps and was just learning the track. It feels good to just finally break the ice and do some driving, especially as it has been quite a long build-up as I got here early to acclimatise.

“It is not a track I have been to before, so I can’t just go out and push to the limit. I have to build up to it, which is what I was doing today, and still leaving a bit of a margin. There is not a lot of room for error on this track, but it is fun and so far I have really enjoyed driving it.”

Stroll finished thirteenth fastest in the opening session with a time of 1:26.734, less than six-tenths slower than team-mate Felipe Massa, and improved to a 1:26.525 in the second session even if he was denied the opportunity to complete an even quicker lap due to yellow flags.

“FP2 was quite a scruffy session for me,” said Stroll. “The first run was alright, but then on the second one it was a shame as there was a yellow flag so I had to abort the lap, which meant we missed out on that one lap on the ultrasofts we wanted.

“However, today were just the first practice sessions. I think I can still improve as I am learning a lot, and there is still a lot to understand.”

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