Stroll explains Aston Martin’s focus ahead of his home race in Canada after ‘step forward’

Lance Stroll has shared an insight into where Aston Martin’s focus lies as he prepares for his “electric” home race in Canada, with the driver confident that the team made a “step forward” last time out at the Miami Grand Prix.

As F1 prepares to go racing at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Stroll is firstly looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere in front of his local fans.

“It's great. I look forward to this weekend all season,” the 27-year-old explained during Thursday’s media day. “It's my favourite race of the year. I love the track. The fans, the energy, the whole city gets really into the race weekend.

“It's just electric, even when you're driving around for the first out-lap in FP1. You just feel the energy around the circuit’s amazing. Great memories over the years coming here, some good results, some good races. It's exciting.”

After a tough start to the campaign for Aston Martin, there were signs of promise in Miami, with both Stroll and team mate Fernando Alonso completing the race as well as reporting improvements with the vibration issues that had been affecting the car – all of which has left Stroll feeling positive.

“We fixed the vibrations in Miami, so that was good,” the Canadian said. “We finished the race, both cars got to the chequered flag for the first time this season, which I think is a step forward.

“Now we just need to find a lot more downforce and power, so when we do that, we'll be in better shape, so that's what we're focused on.”

In terms of the timescale for when the squad might be able to deliver those factors, Stroll added: “We have an upgrade for Spa, or the one after Spa, I don't know which one, Zandvoort? Is it going to be enough to fight for the front? No, but these things don't happen overnight.

“Everyone's pushing as hard as possible, and we're doing everything we can to bring as much lap time to the car as quickly as we can.”

Alonso also gave his thoughts on what the focus will be for Aston Martin in Montreal, with the two-time World Champion suggesting that the current target will be to “optimise” what they currently have.

“Every weekend has a different target,” he explained. “This weekend unfortunately we don't have any performance upgrades, so the focus is on the driveability and improve the way we feel the car and try to optimise what we have at the moment.”

Asked if there is a role for him when it comes to encouraging the morale of the squad during the challenging times, Alonso conceded that the drivers need to offer strong feedback in order to improve the situation.

“I think the mission we have now is to be close to the team and try to improve all together as soon as possible, and for that we need to be united and, from the cockpit, try to feedback the best way we can to the engineers and to the designers,” said the Spaniard.

“Obviously, there are a couple of different philosophies coming for the next few months in terms of engine concept and aerodynamic concept as well, to try to bring performance. We need to be precise on the feedback and what we need from behind the wheel.”