Stroll rubbishes claims Aston Martin got 'lucky' in Brazil qualifying

Lance Stroll has rejected suggestions Aston Martin 'got lucky' with its strong Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying performance - instead believing the team "made their own luck."

With both cars in Q3 and a storm fast approaching at Interlagos during Friday's qualifying session, Stroll stuck his AMR23 third fastest after the initial runs of the final segment, 0.043s ahead of team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Those at the back of the 10 car pack had their times ruined by a yellow flag for an off by Oscar Piastri at Juncao, with the storm arriving moments later, leading to Q3 being abandoned.

Third is Stroll's best result on the grid in nearly three seasons since pole position at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix - and believes Aston's sharpness in sending both cars out early paid dividends as the team looks to arrest its recent slide after a drop in performance.

Stroll rubbishes Aston Martin 'lucky claims'

"I don't think we were lucky, I think we made our own luck," Stroll told media including RacingNews365.

"We did well going at the front of the queue and getting good track position as the weather was coming in, so I think that was smart, but I still really felt like crap in the car.

"It was really tricky in Q3 and I think the wind changed direction, so it was still really tough, but I think we did a good job getting both cars, me and Fernando, at the front of the queue.

"The team did a good job of giving us an attempt at the front of the queue and before the bad weather came in, and it looks like a lot of guys missed their laps or didn't get them in for whatever reason.

"We made our own luck today.

"I don't think we're third on paper. The conditions and stuff in Q3 were a little funny, but we managed to execute it well, that's for sure.

"We'll see what we can do in the race, but it's still a huge step [forward]from Mexico and [the United States].

"We had a good race in Austin. But Friday and Saturday were difficult, so today's definitely the best qualifying and pace we've had in a long time."