Williams keen to retain Stroll despite Force India links

Williams Formula 1 technical chief Paddy Lowe says the team would "love to stay" with Lance Stroll for the 2019 season despite reportsl inking the Canadian with a switch to Force India.

Stroll made his F1 debut with Williams last year, becoming the youngest rookie to score a podium in F1 history at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but has scored just four points so far this season amid the team's ongoing struggles.

A lack of performance has left Williams rooted to the foot of the constructors' championship table, leading to suggestions that Stroll could angle for a move away from the team, with multiple reports over the German Grand Prix weekend linking him with a move to Force India.

It is thought that the backing brought by Stroll to Force India could aid the team to balance its books, with the team being forced to delay updates earlier this season as a result of its financial situation.

Asked about the reports linking Stroll with a move to Force India, Williams technical chief Lowe said that while neither party has committed to one another for 2019, he would like to see the 19-year-old stay with the team.

"I’m not worrying about it. It’s that type of time in the season when there are lots of stories around the media about drivers doing this or that," Lowe said.

"As far as I’m concerned we’re working very much in the present with Lance. It’s true he hasn’t committed for next year. We haven’t committed to him either, so that is an open point. Where it lands, who knows.

"We would love to stay with Lance, and that’s our assumption at the moment."

Stroll claimed on Thursday he was yet to give much thought to his 2019 plans, instead focusing on his own on-track performances this season as Williams looks to move up the field.

"I don’t know yet what I am doing, where my future is going," Stroll said. "I am still focused on where I am right now and what I am doing today. We will see what the future holds.

"I would like to see us improve and get to where we want as a team. I also want to do what is best for me as a driver.

"So we will come to all the conclusions at the right time, and figure out what is best for the future."