Lawrence Stroll Once Splurged $80 Million Over Two Years Just to Get His Son, Lance Into the F1 Midfield

Nepotism is prevalent in a lot of industries. However, sport is one such area where one can excel based solely on their talent and skill. It is where an individual’s performance speaks for itself and no third party can influence that. Or so we thought! According to reports, Lawrence Stroll spent copious amounts of money to get his son Lance into the premier class.

This was way before Lawrence Stroll bought Racing Point to ensure his son a seat in F1. This was a claim made by Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport back in 2016. Apparently, before Lance’s Williams announcement, his father had already spent a whopping $80 million to ensure the seat goes to his son in 2017.

This isn’t a story of bribery, but rather a story of careful planning and leaving no stone unturned. According to the German news source, Lawrence Stroll bought the Prema F3 team and hired well-known Ferrari engineer Luca Baldisserri to oversee his son’s rise. Lance won the F3 championship as well.

Apart from the support staff, the young Canadian also embarked on a round-the-world test program with a 2014 Williams. The Canadian embarked on his adventure with 20 staff, 5 Mercedes engineers, and two Mercedes engines.

“The last rookie with that many kilometres of testing for his debut was Jacques Villeneuve,” admitted Williams’ Pat Symonds.

Read More: Despite Billionaire Father Lawrence Stroll Running the Show, Lance Stroll Given No Guarantees of a Future at Aston Martin

Despite all the efforts put in by Lawrence Stroll, the team and his son are both fighting in the midfield. However, there is no regret in Lance’s mind, especially with the money aspect.

Lance Stroll admits he appreciates the financial help coming from his father

The young Canadian comes from money and he’s aware and proud! This is what one can gather from his comments about his father’s exuberant spending.

“Motor sport is a sport where money is important, of course, so I’m very happy that my father helps me,” Germany’s Auto Bild quoted him as reported by Nextgen Auto.

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The Canadian has successfully survived the ruthless sport for 5 years already. Will it come to a point where the son will leave the father’s shadow or vice versa?