Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin was deemed fit to race in FP3 at the Dutch Grand Prix after the team worked through the night to replace the driver’s survival cell, breaking curfew rules on Friday. The prompt repairs came after Stroll suffered a severe crash at Turn 3 during Friday’s FP2, which left his car severely damaged.
Overnight Chassis Replacement After Heavy Impact at Zandvoort
Stroll started the weekend strongly, ranking third fastest in FP1, but the momentum was halted in FP2 when he locked up and crashed heavily into the barriers at the banked Turn 3 on the Zandvoort circuit. Although Stroll reported he was unharmed over the radio, his AMR25 car required significant work due to heavy damage on the right side, necessitating the replacement of the survival cell.
The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team worked overnight to install the new chassis, exercising one of the two individual exceptions allowed by the FIA for curfew breaks during the 2025 season. This operation took place within the restricted time frame, from 9:00 p.m. on August 29 until 8:30 a.m. on August 30, just hours before FP3 was scheduled.
FIA Confirms Compliance and Car’s Readiness for Track Action
The FIA confirmed the Aston Martin team’s overnight activity was authorized under the exception rule and that no penalties would be imposed. Additionally, the repaired AMR25 passed scrutineering, ensuring it met all safety and technical standards before returning to the track.
Last night team personnel of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, who are associated with the operation of the car, were within the confines of the circuit during the eleven and a half (11.5) hour period which commenced at 21:00 on 29 August, fourteen and a half (14.5) hours before the scheduled start time of P3 and ends three (3) hours before the scheduled start time of P3 at 08:30 on 30 August,
—FIA
This was the first of the two (2) individual exceptions permitted for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team during the 2025 Formula One Championship season and therefore no action should be taken.
—FIA
Implications for Aston Martin and Stroll’s Weekend
While the crash was a significant setback for Lance Stroll and Aston Martin, the successful overnight chassis replacement and FIA approval allowed the driver to continue competing. This swift recovery will be crucial as the team aims to regain momentum at the Dutch Grand Prix, reflecting the demanding nature of Formula One where rapid repairs and regulatory compliance play a vital role in maintaining competitiveness.
