Formula 1

Stroll’s Bahrain GP participation uncertain

Published

4 weeks ago

23/02/2023

Lance Stroll’s Bahrain GP participation uncertain as Aston Martin discloses minimal information on his wrist injury.

The uncertainty of Lance Stroll’s involvement in the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix persists, as Aston Martin has provided minimal information regarding his absence from the pre-season Formula 1 test, except for disclosing that he has sustained a wrist injury.

As a result of a “minor accident” during his bike training last week, Stroll will be absent from the Bahrain test, which is the only official session prior to the start of the season.

There has been a great deal of speculation and unverified reports surrounding Stroll’s injuries, as well as doubts about whether he will be able to compete in the first race, due to the lack of information provided about the extent and severity of his injuries. Some reports have even suggested that he underwent surgery in Spain.

During a press conference in Bahrain on Thursday, team principal Mike Krack stated that Stroll had sustained a wrist injury, and he emphasized that Stroll’s absence from the test was a precautionary measure.

Krack explained that Stroll was focusing on his physical conditioning through cycling last week, when he had a minor mishap that resulted in an injury.

Krack further clarified that the decision to hold Stroll out of the test was made as a precautionary measure and to allow him to fully recover before returning to the track next week.

When the official F1 press conference host asked Krack to provide more details about Stroll’s injuries, he declined to comment further, citing that it was Stroll’s personal matter. However, Krack did disclose that the injury was to Stroll’s hand and wrist.

Krack reiterated that he could not divulge any further information regarding Stroll’s injuries, as he respected the driver’s right to privacy.

It is currently uncertain who would replace Stroll if he is unable to compete in the race.

Although Felipe Drugovich did some driving during Thursday’s test, Krack did not confirm whether or not the 2022 Formula 2 champion would be the one to take Stroll’s place in the race if necessary.

Aston Martin has Stoffel Vandoorne, a former McLaren F1 driver, as their reserve driver, in addition to Drugovich. While Drugovich confirmed that both he and Vandoorne were “assigned to come to this race,” he expects that a decision regarding Stroll’s potential replacement would be made at a later time.

Krack stated that the team would inform the public in due course regarding any updates on Stroll’s condition and any decisions related to his replacement, if needed.

As of now, Aston Martin has not made a decision about their plans for the remainder of the test, nor have they made any announcement regarding the potential arrangement for the race next week.

While reserve driver Drugovich took part in the first session on Thursday, it is uncertain whether he will continue to participate in the remaining sessions of the test.

Krack indicated that a decision regarding the testing plan, including Drugovich’s potential participation, would be made on Thursday afternoon.

Krack acknowledged that Drugovich had taken part in the morning session of the test, and he emphasized that it was important for the team to be prepared for any potential scenarios that may arise.

Krack revealed that the team had not yet reached a final decision regarding their plans for the upcoming days of the test.

Aston Martin could potentially choose to allow their other race driver, Fernando Alonso, to have two full days of running in order to optimize his preparation for the season. Alonso had recently joined the team from Alpine, and at Aston Martin’s launch event, he had stated that his limited running may not leave him fully ready for the first race.

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