Stroll Out of the Spanish GP: Injury Rumors and Tension at Aston Martin

The surprising absence of Lance Stroll at the Spanish Grand Prix generated an atmosphere of uncertainty in the Formula 1 paddock. Rumors and speculations surrounded the sudden withdrawal of the Aston Martin driver, who was forced to retire from the competition.

On Saturday, after the qualifying session, Aston Martin announced that Stroll would not participate in Sunday’s race due to the need to undergo surgery to treat pain in his hand and wrist. This discomfort, according to the statement, was related to an injury sustained in the 2023 preseason, when Stroll fell off his bicycle and suffered multiple fractures.

The team added that Stroll had been experiencing pain for the past six weeks, a period that included races in Miami, Imola, Monaco, and the practice and qualifying sessions in Barcelona. The situation was further complicated after Stroll was eliminated in Q2, finishing half a second behind his teammate, Fernando Alonso.

Due to regulations, and given that Stroll had participated in qualifying, it was not possible to replace him in the race. Aston Martin’s reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, was in the paddock, but he was unable to take his place.

The sudden appearance of the injury of Stroll, son of the team owner, Lawrence Stroll, aroused curiosity in the paddock.

Sources close to the team suggested that many within Aston Martin were unaware of the extent and duration of Stroll’s pain management until the announcement of his withdrawal on Saturday night. During media sessions, Stroll did not mention pain management, nor was it mentioned on the radio during qualifying.

Lance was upset

Aston Martin spokesperson

Aston Martin boss Mike Krack, faced with growing rumors in the paddock, denied that Stroll had injured his hand during an alleged outburst after qualifying. Krack explained that drivers often minimize pain to be able to compete, and that Stroll’s discomfort had increased during the weekend.

Stroll’s next steps include an intervention to address the issues in his hand and wrist. The next Formula 1 race is the Canadian Grand Prix, Stroll’s home race, on June 15. Krack stated that the “Plan A” is for Stroll to participate in the race.

Aston Martin has several options in case a replacement is needed. It has been reported that Drugovich would be willing to give up his commitment at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to debut in Formula 1. In addition, as a Mercedes customer, Aston Martin could access Valtteri Bottas, who is a reserve driver at his former team.