Stroll is just as fast as Perez

Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer insists that Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez are both equal in terms of speed.

The Canadian moved from Williams after his father Lawrence Stroll helped save the Force India team from administration, securing backing from a consortium and creating the Racing Point team.

Although Stroll's presence in Formula 1 has been questioned by some in the past, both he and Perez are two of the most recent podium finishers outside of the top three teams.

“In terms of race speed, they are very close together," Szafnauer said. "It’s only about qualifying. And that’s a matter of him getting used to the team and experience.

Currently it is Perez who leads the way in the driver standings as best of the rest behind the big teams although the Mexican is ahead of Pierre Gasly by virtue of better finishes across the season so far.

Stroll sits down in 14th place nine points behind his teammate.