Lance Stroll has outlined a return to the Formula 1 podium as his target for his first campaign with the Racing Point team.
Stroll has joined the Racing Point operation owned by his father, Lawrence, who purchased the entry and assets of the beleaguered Force India team mid-2018.
Stroll Jr. had been tipped to switch from Williams to Force India in-season but ultimately saw out the campaign with the Grove-based squad, scoring points only twice amid its regression.
It came a year after an encouraging rookie campaign in which he scored an unexpected podium in a dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and Stroll is eyeing a repeat with his new team this season.
“I always aim high so I want us to be competitive right from the start,” said Stroll.
“It’s way too early to know how we compare to the other teams, but right here today I believe we should be fighting for points in every race. My goal is to get back on the podium in 2019 as well.
“I can see how much potential we have in this team and there’s an incredible buzz in the factory and so much enthusiasm.
“I feel comfortable already and everybody has given me a great welcome. It’s the next chapter in my racing career and I just can’t wait to get in the car and start the proper work.”
Stroll added: “I have been working really hard on my physical condition: I think I will be the fittest I have ever been by the time we start testing in Barcelona.
“I went on a training camp recently, which was really intense, and I’ve taken a slightly different approach compared to previous years.
“I have also spent a lot of time at the factory, working with the engineers, getting to know the team and building those important relationships. It means we can go to testing, hit the ground running and focus on results.”
