Stroll says Bottas and Massa's contracts expiring

Jun.9 (GMM) Lance Stroll has admitted to eyeing a potential vacancy at the Williams team for 2017.

The 17-year-old, whose father is the Canadian fashion billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is already a development driver with the British F1 outfit.

Stroll is also dominating this year's European F3 championship for the top team Prema, but told La Presse he is not keen to leap into formula one too prematurely.

"It's important that I do each step in the right way, without taking short-cuts," he said ahead of the Canadian grand prix.

"We see too many young drivers get to F1 very quickly, perhaps too quickly, and make many mistakes. You only really have one chance to break into F1, because there is always someone else ready to take your place," added Stroll.

Nonetheless, he said he is open-minded about getting an opportunity for 2017, particularly if it can be in a competitive car like the Williams.

"Everything will depend on the opportunities that arise over the next six months, either in GP2 or F1," he said.

"The goal, obviously, is F1. If I finished the year as I should, I don't see why I would not be ready. We already know the contracts of the Williams drivers (Valtteri) Bottas and Felipe Massa will expire at the end of the season so it's very possible," said Stroll.