Williams youngster crashes out in pre-season testing - News

Teenager Lance Stroll's Formula One testing debut lasted just 12 laps after he crashed out at the Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday.

Stroll, who turned 18 last October, will become the second youngest driver in the sport's history at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix next month.

But the beginning to his new career got off to a disappointing start here after he lost control of his Williams at turn nine and span into the gravel.

While he managed to limp back to the pits, the damage sustained in the incident was enough to force his team to abandon any further running.

Williams are hopeful the car, which will be fitted with replacement parts flown in from their Oxfordshire base overnight, will be back on track on Wednesday.

"It is unfortunate for me and unfortunate for the team but this is part of the game," Stroll said.

"The cars are very complex in Formula One and there is not a lot of room for error. I was just getting to grips with car and had a little spin, but sometimes these things happen.

"It is not a dent in the confidence. I was actually really happy, and really confident in the car with the few laps I did and I am looking forward to getting back at it.

"(Wednesday) is a new day. We are going to put it behind us and keep going. We are all positive and it is still early days so there is no reason to panic."

The Canadian's career has so far been bankrolled by his billionaire businessman father Lawrence, who invested in fashion labels Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors.

Stroll is the youngest driver in the sport since Dutchman Max Verstappen made his debut as a 17-year-old for Toro Rosso in 2015.

Verstappen has gone on to prove himself as one of the sport's most exciting drivers, winning on his Red Bull debut at the Spanish Grand Prix last season.

Stroll will team up with Felipe Massa, 35, at Williams this season after the Brazilian was lured out of his short-lived retirement following Valtteri Bottas' move to Mercedes.