Lance Stroll's 2019 Formula 1 season with Racing Point was a foundational year marked by adaptation to a new midfield team and a notable P4 finish at the German Grand Prix, showcasing his ability to capitalize on chaotic race conditions.
Going in
Having spent two seasons with Williams, Lance Stroll transitioned to the newly rebranded Racing Point F1 Team for 2019. This move represented a significant step up, as Racing Point, formerly Force India, had a reputation for competitive performance despite a more modest budget. The team was under new ownership, led by a consortium that included his father, Lawrence Stroll, signaling a long-term commitment to development and ambition. Stroll joined an experienced teammate in Sergio Pérez, providing a strong benchmark for performance. The expectation was for Stroll to demonstrate consistent progress and contribute to the team's efforts in the competitive midfield of the turbo-hybrid era, moving away from the back of the grid he had largely occupied in Lance Stroll — 2018 season.
How it played out
The season began with a positive points finish at the Australian Grand Prix, where Stroll secured P9. This early result suggested a promising trajectory with his new team. However, the Racing Point RP19, while a solid package, was not consistently a top-10 contender. Stroll often found himself battling in the lower midfield, with qualifying proving to be a particular challenge throughout the year. His race pace, however, frequently demonstrated an ability to manage tires and conditions, allowing him to make up positions when opportunities arose.
Compared to teammate Sergio Pérez, Stroll generally faced a performance deficit in qualifying, often starting further down the grid. Pérez, known for his consistent points-scoring ability, typically held an edge in raw pace over a single lap. Despite this, Stroll's racecraft and ability to navigate complex situations allowed him to secure valuable points, preventing a complete dominance by his teammate. The team's development throughout the year focused on understanding the RP19 and extracting maximum performance, a process Stroll was actively involved in.
Defining moments
The most significant performance of Stroll's 2019 season came at the German Grand Prix. In a race characterized by heavy rain, multiple safety car periods, and numerous incidents, Stroll maintained composure and capitalized on the chaotic conditions. A well-timed pit stop for slick tires as the track dried propelled him into contention, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish. This result was not only his best of the season but also a substantial points haul for Racing Point, underscoring his capability in challenging circumstances. Other points finishes included a P9 at his home race in Canada, and P10s in Italy and Japan, each demonstrating his capacity to convert opportunities into results, even when starting from outside the top ten.
What it meant
The 2019 season served as a crucial transitional year for Lance Stroll. It marked his integration into a team with greater aspirations and resources than his previous outfit. While the overall points tally (21 points, 15th in the Drivers' Championship) was modest compared to the front-runners, and lower than his teammate's 52 points, the season provided invaluable experience in a more competitive environment. It allowed him to establish himself within the Racing Point structure and gain a deeper understanding of a midfield car's nuances. The German Grand Prix performance, in particular, highlighted his potential to deliver under pressure. This foundational year set the stage for subsequent seasons, where the team would continue its evolution, eventually becoming Aston Martin. The experience gained in 2019 was instrumental in his continued development, leading to more competitive outings in Lance Stroll — 2020 season and further into the Lance Stroll — 2021 season with the rebranded team.
