Lance Stroll opens up on dealing with online negativity and F1 challenges. Lance Stroll reveals how he deals with online criticism and the pressures of Formula 1.

The story of Lance Stroll

Lance Stroll made his Formula 1 debut in 2017 with Williams, alongside Felipe Massa. He remained with the Grove-based team for the 2018 season before moving to Racing Point in 2019, when the team was purchased by a consortium of investors led by his father, Lawrence Stroll.

Throughout his F1 career, during which he has achieved three podiums, one pole position, and 324 points, Lance Stroll has faced considerable criticism, partly fueled by the fact that his father owns the team he races for.

Lance Stroll explained, “I like to consider them just chatter. If I believed in it, it would certainly bother me, but I’m fortunate to have amazing people around me whom I love and trust, whose opinions I pay attention to and value. I try to live in my world, not theirs. There will always be criticism. People are very shortsighted. If you have a couple of good races, you’re fantastic. If you have a couple of bad ones, you’re terrible. That will never change. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with meaningful people and value the opinions of those you care about, who you respect. The people you really know—their opinion is what matters. Don’t accept criticism from someone whose advice you wouldn’t take.”

Challenges on and off the track

The Canadian driver discussed not only off-track difficulties but also the challenges faced on track.

He said, “We can talk about podiums and pole positions, but we also need to talk about defeats. I think that’s where you learn the most about yourself, where you grow through those tough moments. That’s where you really grow as a person, as an athlete, as a driver, thanks to those challenges. I wish every day could be fantastic and perfect, but that’s not the reality of sport. In sport, as in any pursuit in life, there will be highs and lows. You have to accept that even before you start. Before each season, I tell myself: ‘There will be good days and bad days, and I must accept that from the start. We all love the champagne celebrations. But it’s precisely in the tough moments, in the hard periods, that we learn the most about ourselves and truly grow.’”

Lance Stroll’s words reveal a lot about the driver but also the person he has become. Being one of the top 20 drivers lucky enough to race in Formula 1 exposes you to a flood of criticism that can derail you. The Canadian driver has done an impressive job managing this aspect, which is commendable. Young drivers should take note of him and others who have worked on themselves to handle pressure and, most importantly, not be shaken by harsh commentary.