MOTORSPORT – FORMULA One driver Lance Stroll has been declared fit to race at his home Canadian Grand Prix after recovering from hand and wrist pain, his Aston Martin team has said.
The 26-year-old Canadian had missed the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1 due to the problem, having experienced pain for many weeks which his medical consultant believed stemmed from surgery following a cycling accident in 2023.
“We are pleased to confirm that Lance Stroll will be back with the team competing in Montreal this weekend,” Aston Martin said in a statement.
“He had a successful medical procedure to resolve the symptoms he has been experiencing and completed some laps in an old F1 car at Paul Ricard earlier this week.
“Lance is feeling fit and healthy, and is excited to compete in front of his home crowd.”
Aston Martin were unable to replace Stroll for the race in Spain since he had taken part in qualifying, finishing 14th at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
“I am excited to get back behind the wheel with the team for my home Grand Prix this weekend. I was always going to fight hard to be ready to race in front of the Montreal crowd,” Stroll said.
“I’m feeling good after my procedure and put some laps in at Paul Ricard this week to prepare. Thanks for all the support, see you guys this weekend!”
Stroll is 12th in the driver standings with 14 points, with McLaren’s Australian driver Oscar Piastri leading the table with 186.
Meanwhile, George Russell said Max Verstappen tried to show who was the boss when they collided in Spain two weeks ago, but the scare tactics backfired.
The Mercedes Formula One driver told British reporters ahead of the 10th round of the season in Montreal that he did not think Red Bull’s four-time world champion had tried to deliberately ram him.
“He was just trying to get his elbows out and show who’s boss. He got it wrong. Jos is the boss,” said the Briton, jokingly referring to Verstappen’s father who enjoyed that nickname while racing.
Verstappen collected three penalty points and was also demoted from fifth to 10th in the race. He now stands one point from a mandatory race ban.
The incident remained a talking point at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where the pair lined up together on the front row last year and could be going wheel-to-wheel again on Sunday.
Verstappen recognised after Spain that the move was “not right and shouldn’t have happened” but Russell, who finished fourth in Spain, said he was not looking for an apology.
“I don’t think he needs to apologise to me for my side,” he said. “His actions cost him and they benefited me. So I should be almost thanking him.”
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