Stroll to participate in F1 Bahrain GP weekend
Lance Stroll will return to action at the Formula 1 season opener in Bahrain this weekend despite hurting his wrist in a recent cycle crash.
The Canadian was forced to miss last week’s pre-season testing at the Sakhir circuit after injuring himself in an accident while training.
While there was great uncertainty about his physical state, and whether or not he could be fit in time for this weekend, his Silverstone-based team announced on Thursday that he had got the green light for a return.
Aston Martin had given reserve driver Felipe Drugovich valuable mileage in its AMR23 car during testing in case he needed to be called up, and stated that he would be picked if Stroll was unfit.
However, Stroll has recovered enough to be ready to get back in the car in Friday practice.
Speaking about the events of the last week, Stroll said: “It was frustrating not to be out in Bahrain for the pre-season test and I was disappointed to miss the three days of running.
“However, given the injury to my wrist, the team and I felt it was best to focus on recovery so that I would be ready for this weekend and the long season ahead.”
Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin AMR23
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
While there had been few details released about his accident, Stroll explained that he fell off his bike after hitting a hole.
“It was an unfortunate accident,” he said. “I fell from my bike when my tyre caught a hole in the ground - but thankfully the damage was not significant and a successful minor surgery on my right wrist fixed the problem very quickly.
“Since then, I've been working hard with my team to ensure that I am fully fit to compete this weekend.
“I would like to thank the F1 community for their support and privacy, as well as the team who have helped my recovery.
“Now I'm ready to get my head down and concentrate on racing this weekend – something I'm really looking forward to.”
While Stroll feels fit enough to return, there remains the possibility that the physical exertion needed to drive an F1 car could yet cause some problems once he returns to action.
As a result, both Drugovich and fellow reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne will remain on-site in Bahrain just in case they are needed for a late call-up.
Alpine’s push to wipe Gasly F1 penalty points blocked by rivals’ opportunism
Alpine’s push to wipe Gasly F1 penalty points blocked by rivals’ opportunism Alpine’s push to wipe Gasly F1 penalty points blocked by rivals’ opportunism
Mercedes: Not realistic to be beating Red Bull this F1 season
Mercedes: Not realistic to be beating Red Bull this F1 season Mercedes: Not realistic to be beating Red Bull this F1 season
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
MotoGP Portuguese GP: Bagnaia beats Vinales as Marquez crashes out of grand prix
MotoGP Portuguese GP: Bagnaia beats Vinales as Marquez crashes out of grand prix MotoGP Portuguese GP: Bagnaia beats Vinales as Marquez crashes out of grand prix
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
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.