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Lance Stroll Withdraws from Spanish Grand Prix for Surgery Following Qualifying Performance
In a surprising turn of events just hours before lights out at the Spanish Grand Prix, Aston Martin have officially confirmed that Lance Stroll will not participate in the race due to ongoing complications from a hand and wrist injury. The Canadian driver, who had successfully taken part in Saturday’s qualifying session, will now undergo surgery to resolve the persistent pain he’s endured for several weeks.
Aston Martin issued a statement revealing that Stroll has been experiencing discomfort in his hand and wrist over the past six weeks. According to his medical advisors, the issue stems from an earlier procedure the 25-year-old underwent in 2023, possibly related to the cycling accident he suffered before the start of last season. Despite managing the injury in recent races, the pain has reportedly intensified, leading to the decision for corrective surgery.
Stroll still competed in Saturday’s qualifying session, where he managed to outperform six drivers and secured 14th place on the grid. His performance had offered hope for a solid result for Aston Martin, particularly with teammate Fernando Alonso qualifying in 10th position and aiming to score his first points of the 2025 season. However, Stroll’s last-minute withdrawal means every driver behind him will move up one grid position, altering the starting lineup for Sunday’s race in Barcelona.
Due to Formula 1 regulations, Aston Martin is unable to substitute another driver in Stroll’s place, as any replacement must have taken part in at least one qualifying session to be eligible to race. As a result, the team will field only one car for the Grand Prix.
The team’s official statement explained: “Over the course of the past six weeks, Lance has been experiencing pain in his hand and wrist, which his medical consultant believes is related to the procedure he underwent in 2023.”
Adding to the drama of the weekend, Stroll was also summoned by the FIA stewards after Saturday’s qualifying session. He was placed under investigation for an alleged breach of Article 35.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, as well as noncompliance with the Race Director’s Event Notes. The issue centers around Stroll’s failure to report immediately for mandatory post-qualifying weighing.
According to protocol, drivers are required to head directly to the FIA garage in the pit lane to be weighed after qualifying. However, Stroll first returned to the Aston Martin garage before making his way to the FIA area, which triggered the investigation. Both he and a team representative were summoned to explain the delay.
While the outcome of that inquiry is still pending, it is now irrelevant in terms of race impact, given his withdrawal from the Grand Prix. Stroll’s absence marks a disappointing turn for both the driver and the Aston Martin team, who were aiming to bounce back from a difficult start to their 2025 campaign. All focus now shifts to Fernando Alonso, who will carry the team’s hopes on home soil.
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