Williams insists that no decision has been made, although Robert Kubica will do some running with the team in next week's Pirelli testing in Abu Dhabi, and the Pole remains a strong favourite for the drive.

Inevitably there has been much speculation as to whether Stroll would prefer to be partnered by a veteran from who he can learn and who could help to accelerate car development, or a driver with a comparable level of experience.

"I think you just want a team player," said the Canadian. "At the end of the day you just drive your car, that's kind of what you have to focus on, yourself and what's going on on your side of the garage.

"But of course it's always good to have a good relationship, and you never want to have kind of a negative battle – you don't want the team to start splitting up in any way, I think that's the most important thing.

"You obviously want someone pushing you all the time, someone competitive at the top of their game, so you can become a better driver. That's pretty much what you want. At the end of the day it pretty much comes down to what Williams wants to do."

Stroll says he has yet to meet Kubica, with whom he will share the FW40 in next week's test.

"I have never met him. Obviously he was a great talent back in the day before his accident, everyone knows that he was one of the best around.

"I don't know anything else, I don't know where he stands in terms of his fitness or his health, I don't know the details. We'll see what Williams decides to do."

Meanwhile, current incumbent Felipe Massa wouldn't take a bet on who will replace him, although the Brazilian believes he knows what direction the team will take.

"I think I know already, I don't need to bet anything! But I will not say. I think I know. I hope the best for the team.

"I'm stopping now, so to be honest who is replacing me, it doesn't matter for me, it just matters that it's OK for me, I'm happy and I hope the best for the team."