Williams rookie Lance Stroll hailed his sixth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix as a “great birthday present” as he overhauled team-mate Felipe Massa in the standings.
On his 19th birthday, Stroll avoided the trouble on the opening lap to move up the order, and extended his first stint, before pitting under the Virtual Safety Car.
In doing so, Stroll vaulted Force India’s Sergio Pérez, and while he dropped behind the recovering Sebastian Vettel, he was able to register sixth spot.
“I had a really good start, but then lost some positions as I was on the outside,” said Stroll.
“There were some technical issues and crashes and so I gained some places due to that.
“We had a good idea all along, assuming I was going to stay in one piece and everything was going to continue along smoothly, we could have a good race.
“I had a great first stint, a great second stint and in the end I wasn't quite close enough to get into the DRS zone to pass [Esteban] Ocon. I was really managing the tyres and the car was balanced very well, so a big thanks to the team.
“It was a great day, a great result and a great birthday present.”
Massa, meanwhile, classified 11th, having been forced into an early stop due to a slow puncture.
“I’m really disappointed, it was a shame to stop so soon with the puncture at the beginning of the race,” said Massa.
“The car was good, competitive and I’m sure it would have been a completely different situation if we didn’t have the puncture. That’s the way it is sometimes.”
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