BREAKING: Aston Martin face driver replacement headache over

Aston Martin Faces Driver Dilemma Amid Lance Stroll Absence

Aston Martin may be facing a bigger issue than expected following Lance Stroll’s absence from the Spanish Grand Prix, with uncertainty looming over who might replace him for the Canadian GP and potentially beyond.

Stroll, who missed the race in Barcelona, is reportedly still dealing with lingering pain in his wrist and hand—believed to be a long-term consequence of a cycling accident he suffered back in 2023. While no official timeline for his return has been confirmed, the possibility of missing further races has prompted Aston Martin to assess their backup options more closely.

Felipe Drugovich, the team’s primary reserve driver, has expressed interest in stepping in for Stroll. The Brazilian driver is considered a strong candidate due to his F1 aspirations and previous testing experience with the team. However, a scheduling conflict could complicate matters. The Canadian Grand Prix falls on the same weekend as the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Drugovich is set to race for Cadillac.

Despite this, Drugovich has reaffirmed his commitment to Formula 1. Speaking to Brazilian broadcaster Band, he said, “My priority has always been Formula 1, so that’s what must be maintained.” It remains uncertain whether he can be released from his Le Mans obligations to race in Montreal, but his willingness to prioritize F1 may sway both Aston Martin and his sportscar team.

Another option is the team’s second reserve driver, Stoffel Vandoorne. However, Vandoorne is also scheduled to compete at Le Mans, driving for Peugeot in the #94 entry. His situation is even more complex, as he is committed full-time to the 2025 World Endurance Championship and has already taken part in the season’s first three rounds in Qatar, Imola, and Spa.

Unlike Drugovich, who is still fighting for a full-time place on the F1 grid, Vandoorne has already completed a stint as a full-time F1 driver with McLaren from 2017 to 2018. With his current focus on endurance racing, it is likely he would prioritize his WEC commitments over a one-off F1 appearance, making him a less probable substitute.

Aston Martin also has development driver Jak Crawford in their ranks. The American would be a logical option to avoid conflicts with Le Mans, but he faces a different obstacle—he does not currently hold the necessary FIA Super Licence points to be eligible for an F1 race seat. While it’s possible the FIA could grant him special dispensation to race in Canada, the presence of experienced reserves like Drugovich and Vandoorne makes that unlikely.

As Aston Martin navigates this complex situation, the outcome will hinge on both contractual flexibility and each driver’s willingness to shift priorities. The team must act swiftly to ensure they’re prepared, should Stroll be unable to race on home soil.