Lance Stroll believes that he could have claimed victory at Formula 1’s Sakhir Grand Prix but hailed the outcome as “unbelievable” for Racing Point.
Stroll emerged in podium contention by extending his first stint on Softs to run a one-stop strategy, jumping clear of two-stopping rivals Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat.
But Stroll was overhauled by Renault’s Esteban Ocon shortly after his pit stop and then relinquished another spot to Racing Point team-mate Sergio Perez.
Stroll gained positions when Mercedes pair George Russell and Valtteri Bottas were hindered in the pit lane and held on to claim a second podium of the campaign.
“A part of me is a little bit disappointed as I think I could have won the race,” said Stroll.
“Unfortunately Esteban got the DRS, he pitted a lap earlier and was right behind me coming out of Turn 2, so he picked up the DRS and got alongside me and managed to get by into Turn 4 – but it was some good wheel to wheel action, so had some fun there.
“Then afterwards I just locked-up into Turn 4, which allowed Sergio by but he had better pace on a fresher set of tyres and managed to get by Esteban, whereas I was struggling a little bit.”
The result nonetheless gave Racing Point its best-ever haul of 40 points, elevating it to third in the standings, 10 clear of McLaren.
“All-in-all the biggest thing is the fact that both cars are on the podium,” said Stroll.
“It’s an unbelievable result and first and third is exactly what we needed for the championship.”
