F1 2019 driver grid confirmed as Lance Stroll joins Force India

Lance Stroll’s move to Racing Point Force India has been confirmed and this means the driver grid for the 2019 Formula 1 season is now complete.

The Canadian drove for Williams in 2018 and finished 18th in the drivers’ standings. His move to Force India was F1’s “worst-kept secret”, says the BBC, after a consortium backed by his billionaire father Lawrence Stroll saved the team from administration in August.

Stroll replaces Esteban Ocon and will partner Mexican driver Sergio Perez at Force India next year. The 20-year-old said: “This is the beginning of an incredibly exciting journey in my Formula 1 career. I look forward to working alongside a successful team with a great culture. It’s a new challenge and I am excited to embrace this new opportunity.”

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Otmar Szafnauer, team principal and CEO of Racing Point Force India, added: “I’m pleased that we can finally confirm Lance’s arrival to race alongside Sergio next year. It gives us an exciting line-up with the perfect blend of youth, talent, and experience.

“Lance is only 20 and already has two years of Formula 1 experience under his belt, as well as a podium finish and a front row start. We see huge potential in Lance and believe we can create an environment in which he can flourish.

“Our team has enjoyed great success nurturing and developing young and talented drivers, and we are very excited to begin our journey with Lance.”

The opening race of the 2019 F1 season will be the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday 17 March.

2019 F1 driver grid

• Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas
• Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc
• Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly
• Renault: Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg
• Haas: Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen
• McLaren: Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris
• Force India: Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll
• Toro Rosso: Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon
• Sauber: Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi
• Williams: George Russell and Robert Kubica