BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) When the critics were speculating over how he got a seat in Formula One, teenager Lance Stroll simply ignored them.
The 18-year-old Canadian driver, son of billionaire investor Lawrence Stroll, was right not to listen.
On Sunday, the Williams driver showed his genuine ability in finishing third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It was very nearly second place, too, but Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas surged past him in his faster Mercedes with the finish line just in sight.
Still, to secure a podium in only the eighth race of his career was an outstanding achievement, especially considering the flak Stroll took earlier in the season when he failed to finish his first three races, and four out of the first six.