Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll had to sit out the recent Spanish Grand Prix due to a recurring hand and wrist injury. On Wednesday, the team announced that the 26-year-old driver will be back in action for his home race in Canada. Aston Martin also released an interview with Stroll, in which he expressed his eagerness to return to the track.
“I’m feeling good,” Lance Stroll assured in the lead-up to the Canadian GP. “A few months ago, I started experiencing some pain in my wrist and hand, but I wanted to keep racing. However, the discomfort became too much – that’s when we as a team decided to intervene. Of course, I was disappointed to miss the race in Barcelona, but it was the right decision at the time. I’m looking forward to racing again this weekend.”
To prepare for his return to Formula 1 – and to test his hand and wrist – Stroll has already completed several test laps. “I tested at Circuit Paul Ricard in Southern France before heading to Canada,” he revealed. “So, I’ve already been behind the wheel before the race weekend – that certainly helps. I felt good in the cockpit, so now I can fully focus on this weekend. I’m also looking forward to driving in front of my home crowd in Montreal. Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, the fans are always passionate – the support I get as a home driver really means a lot to me. Hopefully, we can score some points again this weekend.”
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Lance Stroll and his team could use all the support they can get. “This track really requires a lot of precision at high speeds,” the Canadian explained. “You have to guide the car through narrow sections, often pushing the limits of the track. Every tenth of a second counts. Additionally, the circuit has several heavy braking zones, followed by long full-throttle stretches. It’s therefore crucial to get your braking points and exits perfect.”
In the run-up to the Canadian GP, there was much speculation about possible replacements for Lance Stroll. A complicated discussion, as test and reserve drivers Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne are on duty at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend. “We always had contingency plans in place, filling the seat was never a problem,” team boss Andy Cowell confirmed later during a press conference. “I’m very impressed with Lance’s (Stroll) attitude. He’s been very involved – it’s been a few busy days, but everything went smoothly.”
After Stroll missed the Spanish GP, there were whispers that he had had a falling out with the team after qualifying. Various sources reported that he had shouted at the mechanics, although these rumors were later debunked. “All Formula 1 drivers are top athletes,” Cowell responded to the alleged outburst from Stroll. “They want to race – no one likes to hear that you have to throw in the towel for medical reasons. But let’s focus on the positives for now.”
