WATCH: Birthday boy Lance Stroll’s stunning pole lap at the 2020 Turkish GP – A day he shocked F1!

As Lance Stroll turns 26 on October 29, 2024, it's the perfect moment to celebrate one of his most remarkable achievements on the Formula 1 circuit – his spectacular pole position lap during the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. This sensational feat on the Istanbul Park circuit marked Stroll’s first-ever pole, establishing him as a formidable competitor in the wet and slippery conditions that day.

In November 2020, the Istanbul track presented a serious challenge. Recently resurfaced, it was slick and unforgiving, especially under the rain-laden clouds that cast a grey shroud over qualifying. Stroll, then just 22, delivered an unforgettable performance, conquering the treacherous surface in his Racing Point car, which would later evolve into Aston Martin.

Here is the video:

"I WANNA HEAR YOU SAY IT!"

Remembering @lance_stroll's unbelievable pole position lap ⏪#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 #F1pic.twitter.com/w30tVa6J46

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2021

Demonstrating remarkable control and finesse, he manoeuvred the slippery track to clock an astonishing lap time that placed him in pole position, shocking fans and fellow drivers alike. It was a milestone for the Canadian, the first time a driver from Canada had secured a pole since Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

Stroll’s lap not only earned him a unique place in Formula 1 history but also etched his name as one of the youngest drivers ever to achieve pole. At 22 years and 17 days, he became the fifth-youngest polesitter, adding another layer of achievement to this iconic lap. For Racing Point, this was an incredible boost, marking their best starting position since their previous iteration as Force India.

A poor race strategy costs Stroll!

Despite the glorious pole, Stroll’s race day didn’t go as hoped. He led the initial 32 laps, setting a strong pace and giving fans a glimpse of a possible win. However, tyre troubles would soon derail his plans. The green-walled intermediate tyres struggled with graining, a degradation issue that caused a rapid loss of performance.

After an intense struggle to keep his lead, Stroll finished ninth. Later, Racing Point confirmed that unseen damage to his front wing had also affected his performance, adding another twist to an already eventful weekend. Though the final race result was disappointing, Stroll’s pole position at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix remains a defining moment in his career.