As the Formula 1 circus heads toward the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Aston Martin's driver lineup. Lance Stroll, the Canadian racer, remains doubtful for his home race after withdrawing from the Spanish Grand Prix due to persistent wrist and hand pain linked to a cycling accident he suffered in early 2023. The injury, which has dogged him for over two years, forced Stroll to miss the Barcelona race despite qualifying 14th, and now his participation in Montreal is far from guaranteed.
Stroll's withdrawal from the Spanish Grand Prix was a significant blow to Aston Martin, as the team was forced to field only one car for the race. The reason? Stroll had already taken part in qualifying, which under Formula 1 regulations meant the team could not summon a substitute driver at such a late stage. The Canadian's pain was severe enough to necessitate a surgical procedure on June 3, 2025, at the Quirón Dexeus hospital in Barcelona. The operation was performed by Dr. Xavier Mir, a renowned surgeon known for his work with MotoGP riders and Formula 1 drivers like Daniel Ricciardo.
Despite this intervention, it remains unclear whether Stroll will be fit in time for the Canadian Grand Prix, which begins its opening practice sessions on June 13, 2025. This leaves Aston Martin in a precarious position, especially given the scheduling conflict with the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, where both of the team's reserve drivers, Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, are committed to racing.
Felipe Drugovich, who has been Aston Martin's reserve driver since 2023 and notably filled in for Stroll during pre-season testing that year, has publicly stated his willingness to prioritize Formula 1 over Le Mans if called upon. Speaking to Brazilian broadcaster Band on June 3, 2025, Drugovich said, "At the moment, I don't even know exactly how things will happen from now on. First of all, we have to wish Lance the best. For Le Mans, in that regard, my priority has always been Formula 1, so that's what must be maintained until then." This stance underscores Drugovich's eagerness to make his Formula 1 race debut, which has so far eluded him.
Aston Martin's chief trackside officer Mike Krack has confirmed that their primary plan remains to have Lance Stroll race in Canada. "Plan A is to have Lance in the car," Krack stated. "That's the plan A, and that is what we are working to. And if the plan A doesn't work, then we need Plan B. We always knew Le Mans was going to happen, so we have plans in place." Krack emphasized that the team will monitor developments closely in the coming days before finalizing their lineup for Montreal.
The circumstances leading to Stroll's withdrawal in Spain have been the subject of much speculation. After qualifying 14th on Saturday, May 31, 2025, Stroll was seen spending several minutes in the garage before leaving the paddock. This action contravened Formula 1 regulations that require drivers to report immediately for weighing after qualifying. The stewards issued a formal warning to Aston Martin for this breach but accepted that a medical condition was being addressed.
Rumors circulated in the paddock suggesting that Stroll lost his temper after the disappointing qualifying result, possibly injuring or aggravating his wrist by striking a hard surface in the garage. However, Mike Krack dismissed these claims as "paddock gossip," stating, "No, no. First of all, I was on the pit wall and I have not heard anything. I think this is typical [media stories]." While a team spokesperson acknowledged that "Lance was upset," they clarified that the injury was unrelated to any outburst.
Krack also shed light on the ongoing nature of Stroll's injury, revealing that the driver had been experiencing pain for approximately six weeks leading up to the Spanish Grand Prix. This period covered several race weekends, including Saudi Arabia, Miami, Imola, Monaco, and Spain itself. Despite the discomfort, Stroll continued to compete, demonstrating the resilience common among Formula 1 drivers. "They want to drive, they don’t want to be out," Krack explained. "Very often, I think, they drive with probably more pain than they would even admit to be able to drive, because this is what they love to do." Ultimately, after qualifying in Spain, Stroll and his team decided it was best to seek further medical evaluation, leading to the recommendation that he not race.
Stroll's initial injury in 2023 was severe, involving both hands and a leg, sustained in a cycling accident. The surgery at that time was extensive, requiring the insertion of screws in his right wrist and a cast that was removed after four days. He underwent intensive physiotherapy and remarkably returned to racing within ten days of the operation. However, the lingering effects of that injury have continued to impact his performance, as he admitted feeling residual pain at the Australian Grand Prix earlier in the 2023 season.
The timing of the Canadian Grand Prix presents a logistical challenge for Aston Martin. With both reserve drivers committed to the 24 Hours of Le Mans—Drugovich racing for Cadillac and Vandoorne for Peugeot—the team faces a potential dilemma if Stroll is unable to compete. The Le Mans event begins earlier, with pre-event scrutineering on Friday, June 6, followed by a parade and a test day on Sunday, June 8. These commitments overlap with the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, complicating any last-minute driver substitutions.
Nonetheless, Krack assured that Aston Martin holds priority over its reserve drivers if their services are needed in Formula 1. "If either Drugovich or Vandoorne is needed, they will be pulled from that and race in Canada," he said. The team is expected to make a decision regarding their driver lineup shortly, given the proximity of the Le Mans test day and the start of the Canadian Grand Prix.
In the meantime, the spotlight remains firmly on Lance Stroll's recovery. The Canadian driver, who has shown determination and grit throughout his career, faces a critical juncture. Will he be fit enough to race in front of his home crowd in Montreal? The next few days will be crucial as medical assessments continue and Aston Martin finalizes its plans.
Meanwhile, Felipe Drugovich waits in the wings, ready to seize the opportunity to make his Formula 1 race debut if called upon. His commitment to prioritizing F1 over the prestigious endurance race at Le Mans highlights his ambition and dedication to the sport.
The unfolding situation at Aston Martin encapsulates the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where injuries, scheduling conflicts, and strategic decisions intertwine. Fans will be watching closely as the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, eager to see whether Stroll returns to the grid or if Drugovich steps into the spotlight.
