All you need to know about Aston Martin chief Lawrence Stroll who is writing history in Formula 1

Canadian Billionaire Lawrence Stroll has become one of the most influential figures in the world of Formula 1, not only as the father of F1 driver Lance Stroll but also as the driving force behind Aston Martin's resurgence in the sport. His journey to becoming a billionaire and leading an F1 team is rooted in his sharp business acumen and passion for motorsports.

Early days and business acumen

Born on July 11, 1959, in Montreal, Canada, Stroll's original surname was Strulovitch, reflecting his Russian heritage through his father, Leo. Leo was a fashion importer who introduced the Pierre Cardin brand to Canada, laying the foundation for the family's business success. Lawrence Stroll, learning the ropes of the fashion industry from a young age, took on a significant role at just 17, managing the Pierre Cardin children’s wear line in Canada.

Stroll's big break in the fashion industry came when he secured the license for Polo Ralph Lauren in Europe, thanks to his connection with Silas Chou, a Hong Kong-based textile magnate. Together, they founded Sportswear Holdings in 1989, transforming Ralph Lauren into a European powerhouse.

Their success continued with significant investments in the Tommy Hilfiger brand and later, the acquisition of Michael Kors, which went public in 2011 and skyrocketed in value. By 2014, Stroll and Chou had divested their stakes, solidifying Stroll’s billionaire status.

How did Stroll pursue his motorsport passion?

With his financial empire established, Stroll turned his attention to his passion for motorsports. In 2000, he purchased the Mont-Tremblant circuit, a clear indication of his love for racing. His son's budding karting career also became a focal point. He made some amazing investments including substantial backing for the Prema racing team, which helped Lance rise through the ranks of motorsport.

Stroll's influence in F1 deepened when he led a consortium to buy the financially troubled Force India team in 2018, rebranding it as Racing Point. This move allowed Lance to secure a seat in F1, but Stroll's ambitions extended far beyond ensuring his son's place in the sport.

In 2020, he spearheaded another consortium to invest in Aston Martin, eventually merging his F1 team with the iconic car manufacturer and rebranding it as the Aston Martin F1 team in 2021. Under Stroll's leadership, Aston Martin has made significant strides in F1, including the construction of a state-of-the-art factory near Silverstone and the recruitment of top talent like Fernando Alonso.

What’s next for Aston Martin?

Stroll’s vision is clear: to disrupt the F1 hierarchy and position Aston Martin as a championship contender. Despite the challenges, including a dip in performance in 2023, Stroll remains committed to his goal, with reports suggesting that he is even pursuing F1 design legend Adrian Newey and superstar driver Max Verstappen to join the team.