Lance Stroll, the Canadian Formula 1 driver currently racing for Aston Martin, has carved out a unique place in the high-octane world of motorsport. Born into wealth as the son of billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll, his journey to the pinnacle of racing has often been overshadowed by accusations of privilege and nepotism. Yet, beneath the headlines and the controversies, Stroll’s career is a tapestry of talent, determination, and intriguing details that go unnoticed by casual fans. From his multilingual upbringing to his record-breaking junior career, Stroll’s story is more than just a tale of a silver spoon—it’s a testament to a young driver navigating one of the most competitive sports on Earth. While his podium finishes and pole position in F1 are well-documented, there’s much more to this 26-year-old racer that deserves a closer look.
Here are eight lesser-known facts about Stroll that reveal the depth of his character and career.
1. He’s a polyglot with four languages under his belt
Growing up between Montreal and Geneva, Stroll was exposed to a multicultural environment that shaped his linguistic abilities. He’s fluent in English and French, thanks to his Canadian roots, but he also speaks Flemish Dutch, inherited from his Belgian mother, Claire-Anne Callens, and Italian, likely picked up during his time racing in Europe and with the Ferrari Driver Academy. This multilingual prowess not only highlights his adaptability but also gives him an edge in connecting with international teams and fans.
2. His karting career began with a bang
While many know Stroll started karting at age 10, fewer realize how quickly he made his mark. In his debut year of 2008, he clinched the Federation de Sport Automobile du Quebec Rookie of the Year award, followed by the Driver of the Year title in 2009. These early successes in Canada and North America foreshadowed his dominance in junior formulae, proving that his talent was evident long before his father’s wealth became a talking point.
3. He competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona—twice
Stroll’s racing resume extends beyond F1. He tackled the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in 2016 and 2018, showcasing his versatility. In 2016, driving a Ford EcoBoost Prototype for Ford Chip Ganassi Racing, he finished fifth overall—becoming the youngest highest-placed finisher in the event’s history at age 17. He returned in 2018 with Jackie Chan DC Racing, further proving his skills aren’t confined to single-seaters.
4. His father hired a Ferrari legend to mentor him
During his dominant 2016 FIA Formula 3 European Championship season with Prema Powerteam, Stroll had an ace up his sleeve: Luca Baldisserri, Ferrari’s former chief track engineer. Hired by Lawrence Stroll, Baldisserri brought his expertise from working with Michael Schumacher to guide the young Canadian. This high-caliber mentorship helped Stroll secure the title by a staggering 187 points, silencing some doubters about his raw ability.
5. He’s the only Canadian F1 driver since Jacques Villeneuve
When Stroll debuted with Williams in 2017, he became the first Canadian to race in Formula 1 since 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, who coincidentally also started his F1 career with Williams. Carrying the Canadian flag into the sport after a 20-year absence, Stroll has quietly upheld a national legacy, even if his dual Belgian citizenship adds a layer of complexity to his identity.
6. His F1 debut was nearly derailed by a crash
Stroll’s first F1 race at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix wasn’t all smooth sailing. During practice, he crashed his Williams car, necessitating an unscheduled gearbox change that resulted in a grid penalty. Despite the setback, he showed resilience, though brake failure forced his retirement from the race.
7. He holds a unique wet-weather record
Stroll has a knack for shining in the rain, a skill that’s often overlooked. At the 2017 Italian Grand Prix, he qualified fourth in wet conditions and was promoted to second on the grid after penalties to others, making him the youngest driver in F1 history to start on the front row at 18 years and 310 days. His maiden pole position at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, also in the wet, further cements his reputation as a rainmaster.
8. He raced against future F1 stars in his junior days
Before reaching F1, Stroll cut his teeth against some of the sport’s current elite in the 2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Competing with Prema, he faced off against Antonio Giovinazzi, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Alexander Albon. Though he finished fifth that year with one win at Hockenheimring, the experience of battling future champions honed his skills for the big leagues.