Lance Stroll Withdraws from Spanish Grand Prix Due to Injury

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll has withdrawn from the Spanish Grand Prix, held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, just hours before the race was set to begin. The Canadian driver’s decision follows medical advice regarding persistent pain in his hand and wrist. The discomfort is believed to be linked to the significant injuries Stroll sustained in a cycling accident prior to the start of the 2023 Formula 1 season. That incident saw him fracture both wrists, requiring surgery and a challenging recovery period that still allowed him to participate in the opening race in Bahrain. Despite the ongoing issues, Stroll took part in practice sessions on Friday and the qualifying session on Saturday. He successfully made it through to Q2 and was set to start the race from 14th position on the grid. In a statement confirming the withdrawal, the Silverstone-based Aston Martin team explained that Stroll had been experiencing increasing pain over the last six weeks. His medical consultant recommended that he not race and instead undergo a procedure to rectify the issues before focusing on his recovery. This withdrawal presents a challenge for Aston Martin for the Spanish Grand Prix. Formula 1 regulations dictate that a reserve driver can only replace a competing driver if they have participated in at least one session during the weekend before qualifying. As Aston Martin's reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, did not take part in any sessions prior to Saturday's qualifying, he is not permitted to step in for Stroll. Consequently, Aston Martin will field only a single car in the Spanish Grand Prix, driven by Fernando Alonso. Stroll's immediate focus will now be on his recovery following the planned procedure, with no immediate timeline provided for his return to racing.