Lance Stroll has said that he is ready to drive a Formula 1 car.

Still just 17, the Canadian is now the favourite to replace Felipe Massa at Williams for 2017.

Stroll's father is the well-known fashion billionaire Lawrence Stroll, but Lance is also the runaway leader of the highly competitive European F3 series.

When asked if he is ready for F1, Stroll told Germany's motorsport-magazin.com: "Yes, absolutely.

"I think Formula 3 is at a very high level and only one step below GP2. Our cars have a lot of downforce but of course not as much power as F1, but the competition level is very high."

When asked what the other differences between the categories are, Stroll added: "I think a bit of everything, but I cannot say exactly because I have never experienced F1."

Stroll will at least be 18 by next March if he is selected to replace Massa, satisfying the FIA's new age limit that was introduced after Max Verstappen's debut.

"Max was unusually young when he got his opportunity that not many others get, but as we saw he did an incredible job," said Stroll.

"It is good for motorsport and Formula 1 that young drivers are able to show what they can do. But I don't want to compare myself with anyone, because each situation is different.

"However, if you are well prepared and have the necessary talent then I see no problem about starting even at a very early age."

The 2016 championship continues this weekend in Singapore.