Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll provided a positive health update ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, reassuring fans and the team that he is ready to compete despite a lingering wrist injury from a 2023 cycling accident. Having missed the Spanish Grand Prix due to pain in his hand and wrist, Stroll confirmed earlier this week that he would be able to race on home soil, offering much-needed relief to both himself and Aston Martin.
The 26-year-old had qualified for the Spanish race but was forced to withdraw due to pain, leaving Aston Martin to compete with just one car. This time, Stroll expressed confidence that the issue would not resurface during the upcoming weekend, emphasizing his improved condition after undergoing medical treatment.
Details on Injury and Recovery Process
Speaking to the media on Thursday during the FIA press conference, Stroll described his wrist injury as “brutal” during the previous races, particularly in Barcelona. He explained how the discomfort had persisted through several events including Imola and Monaco, leading to a medical procedure that has since improved his condition.
“It’s good to be here. It’s good to be home, racing in Montreal, the wrist is feeling good,”
Stroll said in the press conference. Asked about his confidence in avoiding a repeat of the Spanish GP issue, he replied, “Pretty confident. Should be good.”
The injury stemmed from a previous cycling incident that began to cause problems again earlier this season. Stroll clarified the situation:
“It was bothering me for a few weeks, over in Imola, Monaco, and then Barcelona was just really brutal throughout the weekend. I got a procedure done and drove this week, and I was feeling pretty good, so I’m confident. It was just the old injury that I had a couple years ago. Just started to bug me again, so just got it sorted.”
On his outlook for the weekend ahead, Stroll expressed optimism about his performance and the team’s chances. He stated,
“I’m feeling good about the weekend for sure. I think historically we’ve been good here as a team. We scored points here the last few times we came, and it’s a track I always enjoy coming back to. So yeah, just looking forward to it,”
—Lance Stroll, Aston Martin F1 Driver
Importance of Stroll’s Return for Aston Martin
Aston Martin welcomes Stroll’s return not only to have both cars on track but also because he has been crucial to their points tally this season. So far in 2025, Stroll has contributed 14 of the team’s 16 points, carrying much of the responsibility as teammate Fernando Alonso has struggled to find form early in the season.
The return is particularly significant because Aston Martin’s reserve and test drivers, Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich, are committed to the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, and their young driver Jak Crawford lacks enough super licence points to replace Stroll in F1. This would have posed a major challenge if Stroll had remained unable to race.
With Stroll back, alongside Alonso, Aston Martin aims to improve its ninth-place standing in the constructors’ championship and make a strong impression at a venue that holds special significance for their lead driver.
