Lance Stroll is a doubt for his home race in Canada after withdrawing from the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend. Stroll took part in qualifying but intense pain sidelined him for the race.
The Aston Martin driver has been reporting discomfort in his hand and wrist recently, having had surgery in 2023. Stroll just about made it to the opening race that year following a cycling accident in the winter.
The issue seemingly worsened in Barcelona, which led to Stroll pulling out of the Grand Prix. He will now undergo a fresh procedure.
The team have offered little indication of whether he’ll be fit for Montreal. Stroll missed the Singapore GP two years ago after a huge crash in qualifying.
It’s emerged that Stroll had a ‘meltdown’ in the Aston Martin garage after qualifying 14th on Saturday, four spots behind teammate Fernando Alonso. He reportedly broke equipment and swore at team staff.
Why Aston Martin staff were surprised by Lance Stroll injury announcement
Stroll’s absence has generated speculation, and it’s not only outsiders who see it as a little mysterious.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, ‘no one’ at Aston Martin was aware that he was driving in pain. The team weren’t able to replace him for the race under the rules.
Aston bosses took the ‘unusual’ step of informing the mechanics via email, rather than calling a team meeting. They were ‘surprised’ by the announcement.
Alonso managed to score points for the first time in 2025 as he finished ninth. However, Nico Hulkenberg’s remarkable P5 demoted Aston to 10th in the constructors’.
What Valtteri Bottas has said about racing for Aston Martin in Canada
It’s unclear who will replace Stroll if he’s not in a suitable condition for Canada. The logical choice is Felipe Drugovich, the team’s primary reserve driver.
While he’s due to race at Le Mans that weekend, David Croft understands that Drugovich would be available for Aston Martin. He knows it could be a career-changing opportunity to showcase his talents.
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However, Valtteri Bottas is also linked to Aston Martin through their engine tie-up with Mercedes. He’s already tested for fellow customers McLaren this year.
Speaking in the F1 paddock, Bottas says he’s ready to deputise for Stroll if asked. Aston may favour his vast experience and pedigree after he picked up 10 wins in 246 races between 2013 and 2024.
