Stroll to miss F1 pre-season testing after bike accident
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will miss 2023 Formula 1 pre-season in Bahrain later this week after sustaining injuries during a cycling incident while training in Spain.
The team issued a brief statement on Monday afternoon announcing that the Canadian had been sidelined for the 23-25 February test as a result of a “minor accident” but that he likely faces a quick recovery.
Aston Martin says it will release a further update on Stroll’s condition ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening round of the season scheduled for 3-5 March.
“Whilst pre-season training on a bicycle in Spain, Lance Stroll was involved in a minor accident and sustained injuries which will result in him sitting out the pre-season test in Bahrain,” read the Aston Martin bulletin.
“Lance is however expecting a quick recovery and return to driving duties.
“His fitness to return to the cockpit will be assessed daily and the team will issue an update ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“The team wishes Lance a speedy recovery and looks forward to his usual energy and commitment within the team.”
Stroll said: “I’ve had an unfortunate accident whilst training on my bike in preparation for the season.
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin AMR23
“I am determined to get back in the car and I am excited about the season ahead with the team.
“I am motivated to bounce back from this setback as quickly as possible.”
Aston Martin can count on reigning Mercedes Formula E champion and former McLaren F1 racer Stoffel Vandoorne, plus F2 title winner Felipe Drugovich, as its reserve drivers.
McLaren can count on the same reserve driver duo in the event that either Lando Norris or rookie Oscar Piastri is forced into absence.
Aston Martin previously called upon former standby Nico Hulkenberg, who has since stepped up to a full-time race seat with Haas in 2023, when four-time champion Sebastian Vettel missed the first two rounds of 2022 owing to COVID-19.
Incidentally, Stroll’s new Silverstone team-mate Fernando Alonso had to undergo surgery ahead of testing in 2021 after sustaining an upper jaw fracture following a collision with a car while cycling in Switzerland.
Provisionally, Drugovich would get the nod for testing owing to a clash for Vandoorne with the inaugural Cape Town E-Prix.
Honda's 2023 F1 reliability fixes to open up Red Bull strategic options
Russell: Williams couldn't have hired better F1 team boss than Vowles
McLaren F1 boss plays down Baku GP upgrade package
McLaren F1 boss plays down Baku GP upgrade package McLaren F1 boss plays down Baku GP upgrade package
Alonso: We "need some help" from Red Bull to win F1 races in 2023
Alonso: We "need some help" from Red Bull to win F1 races in 2023 Alonso: We "need some help" from Red Bull to win F1 races in 2023
The tangible steps Alpine has taken to meeting its humble F1 2023 targets
The tangible steps Alpine has taken to meeting its humble F1 2023 targets The tangible steps Alpine has taken to meeting its humble F1 2023 targets
MotoGP Portuguese GP: Full Moto2 and Moto3 race results
MotoGP Portuguese GP: Full Moto2 and Moto3 race results MotoGP Portuguese GP: Full Moto2 and Moto3 race results
Williams not wedded to Mercedes for 2026 F1 engine supply
Williams not wedded to Mercedes for 2026 F1 engine supply Williams not wedded to Mercedes for 2026 F1 engine supply
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Marc Marquez "gaining nothing by complaining" about Honda’s MotoGP bike
Marc Marquez "gaining nothing by complaining" about Honda’s MotoGP bike Marc Marquez "gaining nothing by complaining" about Honda’s MotoGP bike
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
Why Red Bull’s biggest F1 adversary is now itself
Why Red Bull’s biggest F1 adversary is now itself Why Red Bull’s biggest F1 adversary is now itself
How "only tough" Tost's public lack of trust could hurt AlphaTauri
How "only tough" Tost's public lack of trust could hurt AlphaTauri How "only tough" Tost's public lack of trust could hurt AlphaTauri
What Perez's Jeddah joy means for F1’s 2023 hopes for a real title fight
What Perez's Jeddah joy means for F1’s 2023 hopes for a real title fight What Perez's Jeddah joy means for F1’s 2023 hopes for a real title fight
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.