Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll is set to compete in this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal after recovering from a hand injury. His return follows a successful surgical procedure to address ongoing pain in his right hand, which had forced him to withdraw from the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks prior.
Stroll had been struggling with discomfort originating from a wrist fracture sustained two years ago in a cycling accident, and only recently found relief after the recent medical intervention. This comeback marks a critical milestone as he prepares to race on home soil in front of his local supporters.
Details of Injury and Recovery Process
Prior to the Canadian event, Stroll withdrew from the Spanish Grand Prix after experiencing severe right-hand pain that worsened throughout the race weekend. The discomfort had been persistent for approximately six weeks, making it impossible for him to continue competing at Barcelona.
Following the decision to seek treatment, Stroll underwent surgery to correct the issues caused by his old wrist injury. Post-operation, he took part in testing sessions using an older model F1 car at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, which helped confirm his readiness to return to full competition.
Aston Martin confirmed his recovery status in a team statement released on Wednesday:
“We are pleased to confirm that Lance Stroll will be back with the team competing in Montreal this weekend,”
Aston Martin spokesperson said.
“He had a successful medical procedure to resolve the symptoms he has been experiencing and completed some laps in an old F1 car at Paul Ricard earlier this week. Lance is feeling fit and healthy, and is excited to compete in front of his home crowd.”
Stroll’s Feelings and Preparation for the Home Race
Expressing his enthusiasm, Lance Stroll shared his eagerness to return to racing at his home Grand Prix.
“I am excited to get back behind the wheel with the team for my home Grand Prix this weekend. I was always going to fight hard to be ready to race in front of the Montreal crowd. I’m feeling good after my procedure and put some laps in at Paul Ricard this week to prepare.”
This sentiment highlights his determination to perform well in front of his fans after facing weeks of pain and uncertainty.
Team’s Approach and Dismissal of Speculation
Aston Martin had planned the test at Paul Ricard in France as part of their routine program, but it became a vital opportunity to assess Stroll’s capability to race safely after surgery. The team had monitored his condition closely but only intervened when the pain became unmanageable.
Mike Krack, the team’s head of trackside engineering, addressed rumors suggesting Stroll’s withdrawal was due to frustration after a disappointing qualifying session:
“As it has been known already, the whole thing started in 2023,”
Krack explained.
He further described the gradual nature of the injury and the drivers’ resilience:
“We have seen it with Lance in 2023, when he fought his way back. Drivers want to drive, they do not want to be out. Very often, I think, they drive with probably more pain than they would even admit to, to be able to drive. Because this is what they love to do.”
Krack emphasized that the decision to withdraw was medically driven and not a response to frustration, reiterating that the worsening pain made competition unsafe.
Impact on Team Lineup and Upcoming Events
With Stroll cleared to race in Montreal, Aston Martin’s reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will be available to focus on competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours race for Cadillac this weekend as originally planned. Drugovich had been on standby should Stroll require replacement.
This development allows the team to maintain stability for the Canadian GP and demonstrates Aston Martin’s effective management of driver health and scheduling amid a demanding racing calendar.
