Aston Martin F1 star Lance Stroll ruled out after.....

Aston Martin F1 star Lance Stroll ruled out after…..read more

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll was forced to miss the remainder of the first practice session at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix after a surprising crash with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at the famous Fairmont Hairpin.

The incident occurred midway through the session when Stroll, in a moment of misjudgment, failed to notice Leclerc approaching in his mirrors. As a result, he inadvertently steered into the racing line just as Leclerc’s Ferrari SF-25 was coming through. The contact between the two cars sent shockwaves through the paddock, particularly as the narrow streets of Monte Carlo are notoriously unforgiving.

Leclerc’s car suffered immediate front wing damage, a common consequence in such low-speed yet high-impact encounters on this historic circuit. Despite the setback, the local favorite managed to navigate his way back to the pits, where the Ferrari crew swiftly replaced his damaged front wing. Leclerc rejoined the session shortly afterward, continuing with his run plan as if nothing had happened.

Stroll, on the other hand, was not nearly as fortunate. The damage sustained by his Aston Martin was far more serious. The rear end of his car bore the brunt of the impact, leading to a cascade of mechanical issues that ultimately forced the team to retire him from the session. This decision was confirmed by Sky Sports F1’s pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz, who delivered the update live during coverage.

“That’s session over for Lance Stroll, there’s too much to change,” Kravitz reported. “The damage to the rear suspension and floor is just too significant to repair within the session time. They’ll need to do a full inspection and possibly replace several key components.”

The crash triggered an early red flag in FP1, halting the session temporarily as marshals worked quickly to clear debris and ensure the safety of other drivers. Incidents like these are not uncommon at Monaco, where the tight confines of the track leave very little room for error.

For Stroll, it was a frustrating blow at a crucial time in the race weekend. Missing valuable practice time in Monaco can be a major setback, especially with its complex layout and limited overtaking opportunities. Teams rely heavily on every minute of track time to gather data, fine-tune setups, and give drivers the confidence they need around the tight corners and blind apexes of the circuit.

The incident also raised some questions about spatial awareness and communication within the Aston Martin garage. In Monaco, where visibility is limited and traffic can become congested quickly, clear guidance from the pit wall is essential. It’s unclear whether Stroll received adequate warning about Leclerc’s position before moving over.

Despite the setback, Aston Martin remains optimistic about repairing the car in time for the second practice session. Mechanics immediately set to work evaluating the full extent of the damage once the car was brought back to the garage. Depending on the availability of replacement parts and time constraints, a rebuild could be completed before FP2.

Leclerc, meanwhile, appeared unfazed by the incident. As a native of Monte Carlo, he is well-versed in the chaos of his home Grand Prix and remained focused on his program. Ferrari will be hoping the minor contact doesn’t cause any lingering issues heading into the weekend.

With weather conditions looking unpredictable and Monaco’s unique demands putting every team and driver to the test, this early drama serves as a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change on the streets of Monte Carlo. For Lance Stroll and Aston Martin, recovery will depend on swift repairs and a clear head heading into the next session.