If we look at the iconic moments in the history of the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lance Stroll's historic podium finish at the 2017 Baku race will definitely have a place in the top 5 of the list. Williams was enduring a rough patch by 2017 and they exposed this young talent from Canada who stunned the racing world.
Leading up to the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a single podium for Valtteri Bottas at the 2016 Canadian GP was Williams’ only silverware over the 30-race period. Bottas left the team for Mercedes at the end of 2016, putting them in dire straits. An inexperienced 18-year-old Stroll was named as his replacement, the decision raised many eyebrows.
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Stroll had a tough start to his F1 career as he suffered three retirements in his first three races and three further finishes outside the points. His eligibility to compete in F1 was also later questioned. However, he silenced all his critics with a remarkable performance in Baku.
The Canadian held onto second place until the final few metres as Bottas overtook him. However, Stroll managed to finish third in his debut 2017 season and surprised all those who doubted his abilities. He was “over the moon” after the race and his celebrations on the rostrum clearly illustrated that.
Here’s the throwback video of Lance Stroll’s celebrations after the 2017 Baku GP:
I'm sort of lost for words: Stroll said after his historic P3 finish
Speaking at a post-race interview, Stroll said that he was a little disappointed to miss out on second place despite coming so close. However, he expressed his delight and said it would take a while to sink in.
"I can't quite realise what just happened. I'm sort of lost for words. I couldn’t believe coming into the weekend that I would be standing on the podium,” Stroll said.
"It was a bit disappointing to lose P2 at the end to Valtteri, but all in all an amazing race - just amazing. I'm over the moon. You dream of being on an F1 podium growing up, work towards it your whole life… and then you feel the moment. What a race. I think it’s going to sink in tomorrow morning,” he added.
The F1 Azerbaijan GP 2024 is set to start at 12:00 PM BST on Sunday 15 September. Two practice sessions on September 13 and one on the 14th will be held before the qualifying race on the same day.
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