Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll was pictured in Montreal paying his respects to grandfather Leo Stroll, who died peacefully at the age of 90 last week.
Leo, whose initial surname was Strulovitch, was a fashion importer who brought famous brands Pierre Cardin and Ralph Lauren to Canada, and passed his passion for the fashion industry down his son Lawrence, Lance’s father, having changed his name to Stroll.
Lawrence would then take the Ralph Lauren brand to Europe, furthering his father’s legacy.
He later paid for Lance’s seat at Williams in 2017, before signing him to Racing Point in 2019 having purchased it under its Force India guise the year previous.
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Since then, he has overseen its rebrand to the famous Aston Martin name, ensuring the transcendence of his family name into the motorsport world.
Lawrence and Lance wore Jewish skullcaps at the memorial ceremony, and the former said he owes everything he has to his late father.
“I lost my best friend, my mentor and especially my father,” he said, as quoted by Le Journal de Montreal.
“I remember a memorable meeting he organised for me in Paris when I was barely 18 with the renowned couturier Pierre Cardin. It was the start of a great adventure for me.
“We created a dynasty in the fashion industry and I owe him everything.”
An obituary in the Montreal Gazette paid tribute to Leo Stroll’s career, as well as his caring, affectionate personality.
“Leo had achieved many successes in his life, and together with his son, transformed the fashion industry. He will be most remembered for the many lives he touched with his kindness and generosity,” it read.
“Leo was an unforgettable presence, whose wisdom and warmth will stay with us always.”
Lance has since travelled to Melbourne ahead of this weekend’s 2022 Australian Grand Prix.