Spin costs Stroll shot at first F1 points in Russia

Lance Stroll was left ruing a spin on the opening lap of Sunday's Russian Grand Prix that cost him a shot at scoring his first points in Formula 1, but still managed to record his maiden classified finish.

Stroll, 18, made his F1 debut with Williams at the start of the season after a record-breaking Formula 3 title victory in 2016, but failed to finish any of his first three grands prix.

The Canadian qualified 11th in Russia before making a good start to rise into the top 10, only for a spin on the opening lap under yellow flags to send him to the back of the pack.

Stroll managed to work his way back up to 11th at the chequered flag, but was left disappointed after missing out on a chance to score points.

"It was so unfortunate," Stroll said. "I had a really good start and think I was around P8 at one point, and then I got squeezed on the kerb, there wasn't much grip and the car just got away from me. I knew I didn't have any damage, but I fell to the back and it was just one of those things that happens.

"After that, it was a difficult first stint because I had that spin and then had to spin the car round to keep going, and I overheated the rears quite a bit so I had poor grip. But then I recovered a bit on the second stint and saw the chequered flag for the first time, which was nice.

"It was a bit disappointing with the spin, as I think it could have been quite a bit better, but we will take our first finish."

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