F1 Hopeful Vows Big Push as Lance Stroll’s Canadian GP Spot Uncertain

Felipe Drugovich has made it clear that if given the chance to make his Formula 1 debut, he would give up racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Drugovich, currently scheduled to drive for Cadillac at Le Mans, faces a unique situation as the endurance event falls on the same weekend as the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on June 15.

Lance Stroll’s spot for Aston Martin at his home race remains uncertain after he pulled out of the Spanish Grand Prix. The Canadian driver suffered hand and wrist pain, reportedly linked to a cycling accident from two years ago.

Stroll’s withdrawal in Spain has left Aston Martin monitoring his condition closely ahead of the race in Montreal. As the team’s reserve driver, Drugovich stepped in during pre-season testing in 2023 when Stroll missed out due to injury, making him the obvious choice if a substitute is needed.

Speaking with Brazilian media, Drugovich said his first priority is ensuring support for Stroll but confirmed Formula 1 would always be his top focus. “First of all, we have to wish Lance the best. For Le Mans, my priority has always been Formula 1, so that’s what must be maintained until then,” Drugovich explained.

He remains ready and available should Aston Martin make the call for the Grand Prix.

Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, spoke about the team’s preparations. He confirmed the main plan is to run with Lance Stroll in Canada, but the team is prepared with other options if Stroll cannot drive.

“Plan A is to have Lance in the car, that is what we are working to. If Plan A doesn’t work, we need Plan B,” said Krack. Aston Martin will continue to assess Stroll’s recovery in the days before the Canadian GP and finalize their lineup accordingly.

Elsewhere in Formula 1, last week’s Spanish Grand Prix produced several major talking points. Max Verstappen and George Russell’s on-track clash captured headlines, while questions about whether Lewis Hamilton still has the pace to compete at the front continue to circulate.

Discussions around these incidents highlight how intense and unpredictable the F1 season remains.

With the championship race heating up, Oscar Piastri leads the 2025 drivers’ standings with 186 points, followed by McLaren teammate Lando Norris at 176. Max Verstappen holds third with 137 points, while George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton round out the top six.

In the team standings, McLaren is in front with 362 points, trailed by Ferrari at 165 and Mercedes holding 159.

The F1 community will watch closely to see if Lance Stroll recovers in time for his home event or if Felipe Drugovich will step up for his first Formula 1 race. The Canadian Grand Prix promises added excitement as the lineup decision nears, especially given ongoing debates about Lewis Hamilton’s pace this season.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.