Breaking: F1 Driver withdraws from Spanish GP and taken for surgery af…read more

Lance Stroll Withdraws from Spanish GP for Surgery Following Qualifying Effort

In a dramatic turn of events just hours before the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has officially withdrawn from the race. The Canadian driver, who participated in Saturday’s qualifying session, will now undergo surgery to address a lingering hand and wrist injury that has been troubling him for several weeks.

Injury Forces Last-Minute Exit

Aston Martin released a statement early Sunday confirming that Stroll’s ongoing pain—stemming from a previous surgical procedure—has worsened. The team’s medical advisors believe the discomfort is linked to the surgery he had in 2023, which was likely related to the cycling accident that sidelined him before the start of last season. Despite powering through multiple race weekends, the pain has now reached a level that requires immediate corrective surgery.

“Over the course of the past six weeks, Lance has been experiencing pain in his hand and wrist,” the team explained. “His medical consultant believes this is connected to the procedure he underwent last year.”

Qualifying Performance and Grid Impact

Despite his discomfort, Stroll managed to compete in Saturday’s qualifying session, securing 14th place on the grid ahead of six other drivers. His performance had sparked hope for a stronger weekend for Aston Martin, especially as teammate Fernando Alonso qualified 10th and is still chasing his first points of the 2025 season.

However, with Stroll now sidelined, all drivers behind him will move up one spot on the starting grid. The change significantly impacts the race-day lineup and gives a slight advantage to several midfield teams.

No Replacement Allowed Under F1 Rules

Due to Formula 1 regulations, Aston Martin cannot replace Stroll for the Spanish Grand Prix. According to the sporting code, any substitute must have participated in at least one session of qualifying to be eligible to race. Since no reserve driver met that criterion this weekend, the team will run with only one car on Sunday.

This marks another blow for Aston Martin’s 2025 campaign, which has already faced multiple challenges. All eyes will now turn to Alonso, who will carry the team’s hopes at his home Grand Prix in Barcelona.

FIA Investigation Clouds the Weekend Further

Adding another layer of drama, Stroll was also under investigation by the FIA following Saturday’s qualifying. He was summoned by the stewards for allegedly violating Article 35.1 of the FIA Sporting Regulations, as well as failing to comply with Race Director’s Event Notes.

The incident in question involved Stroll not heading directly to the FIA garage for the mandatory post-qualifying weighing. Instead, he first returned to the Aston Martin pit area before proceeding to the weighing station—a move that triggered a procedural review.

While the outcome of the investigation remains unknown, it no longer has any bearing on the race result due to his withdrawal. However, the situation could still result in penalties or warnings for future events.

Looking Ahead

Stroll’s absence is a significant loss for both driver and team, especially as Aston Martin aimed to bounce back from a rough start to the season. With just one car on the grid, the pressure is on Fernando Alonso to deliver a strong performance in front of his home crowd.

As fans await updates on Stroll’s surgery and recovery timeline, the focus now shifts to Sunday’s Grand Prix, where Alonso carries the green team’s only hopes.