Lance Stroll is expected to race in Montreal after undergoing wrist surgery, easing concerns over his fitness for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Citing increasing pain in his right wrist on Saturday in Barcelona after being eliminated in Q2, Stroll withdrew from the race for medical reasons after immediately consulting a doctor upon returning to the garage.
He was investigated by the FIA for failing to comply with the weighing procedure, but was issued a warning when it became clear he had skipped it due to needing medical attention.
Aston Martin explained that over the past six weeks, the Canadian had been experiencing increasing wrist pain, a lingering effect of his 2023 cycling accident, which had forced him to miss pre-season testing.
As reported on Tuesday, a surgical intervention was performed on the Canadian driver, although details have not been disclosed.
According to those close to him who shared some positive news off the record today, Stroll is indeed expected to return for his home race in Montreal, allowing Felipe Drugovich to fully focus on his Le Mans program.
Since testing begins soon in Le Mans (this Sunday with the Test Day) and F1 drivers must leave for Montreal by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, Aston Martin F1 is expected to confirm this good news for Stroll shortly.
And if Stroll were to feel unfit to race during the Montreal weekend, Aston Martin would call upon Mercedes F1 reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, keeping in mind that the Finn would face a five-place grid penalty from the 2024 season finale, his most recent F1 Grand Prix.