Aston Martin Nears Final Call on Lance Stroll for Canadian GP

Aston Martin appears ready to confirm Lance Stroll’s participation for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. Stroll, who missed the previous race in Spain, has been recovering from surgery related to persistent wrist pain.

This injury dates back to his cycling accident in early 2023, which also forced him to sit out pre-season testing that year. Despite the setback, Stroll managed a sixth-place finish in Bahrain at the start of the current Formula 1 season, but he later revealed that his wrists were in severe pain during the race.

During qualifying in Barcelona, Stroll experienced increased discomfort and was eliminated in the second session. He withdrew on medical grounds after returning to the Aston Martin garage for urgent treatment.

The FIA issued Stroll a warning that weekend after he did not follow the correct weighing procedure, but officials noted his actions were due to seeking immediate medical care. Details about his recent procedure are limited, but renowned motorsport surgeon Dr. Xavier Mir, who previously operated on Stroll’s wrist, is believed to have performed this surgery as well.

For the past six weeks, Stroll has been managing the effects of his original injury. Team officials are optimistic that the Canadian driver will return to his car in Montreal.

If Stroll is cleared to race, Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich will not be required to step in as a substitute. That would allow Drugovich to focus on his commitment at the Le Mans 24 Hours, which is scheduled for the same weekend as the Canadian Grand Prix.

Fellow Aston Martin reserve Stoffel Vandoorne is also taking part at Le Mans, reducing options for sudden replacements. Should Stroll be unable to compete in Montreal, Aston Martin’s next likely option would be Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas.

However, Bottas faces a five-place grid penalty as a carry-over from an incident at the end of the 2024 season. This situation highlights the challenge teams face when managing substitute drivers, especially during overlapping major events like Le Mans and Formula 1.

The Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled for June 15 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Stroll will be aiming to make his return at his home event, adding extra motivation for both the driver and team.

Stroll has been an important asset for Aston Martin since joining the team, and his return comes at a vital time as the season approaches the halfway mark. F1 fans will be watching closely to see whether Stroll can recover fully in time for Montreal.

His presence on the grid will allow Aston Martin to field their regular lineup and maintain consistency as they target valuable points in a tightly contested championship. For now, the decision rests on Stroll’s ongoing rehabilitation, with the final confirmation expected in the days leading up to the race.

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.