Lance Stroll discusses his wrist surgery, recovery, and return to Formula 1 racing with Aston Martin at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix.
Lance Stroll missed the Spanish Grand Prix after withdrawing on Saturday evening following qualifying. The Aston Martin F1 driver explains how he came to stop racing mid-competition weekend.
“I’m feeling good. I started experiencing pain in my wrist and hand a few months ago, but I wanted to keep racing,” said Stroll, who explains he pushed through as much as he could.
“However, the discomfort became too much, and we decided to go ahead with a medical procedure. Naturally, I was disappointed to miss the race in Barcelona, but it was the right decision at the time, and I’m looking forward to getting back to racing this weekend.”
To ensure he was fit to race in Canada, Stroll got behind the wheel in France: “I did a few laps at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France before heading to Canada.”
“It allowed me to get back in the car before the race weekend started, which was very helpful. I felt good in the cockpit, and now I’m focused on this weekend.”
As a hometown driver, Stroll is eager to race in Montreal, a track that has historically suited him and where he enjoys unwavering support from fans. He also appreciates the positive messages he received during the challenging time since missing the Spanish Grand Prix.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in front of my home crowd in Montreal. Rain or shine, the fans are loud and passionate about our sport in Canada, and their support means a lot to me as a local driver. It’s always special to see so many fans wearing Aston Martin Racing Green in the stands.”
“The fans’ support has always pushed me forward, but it’s been an extra motivation over the past couple of weeks. I’d like to thank all my fans for their support and the messages they sent me. Hopefully, we can fight for more points this weekend.”
The Canadian outlines the challenges ahead on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame: “There are several factors that can make or break a weekend in Montreal, but that’s what makes it a race weekend I really look forward to as a driver.”
“It’s a real test. The circuit demands a lot of precision at high speed. You have to thread the car through tight walls, often brushing them, to gain every tenth of a second.”
“It’s a stop-start circuit with heavy braking zones followed by long flat-out sections; nailing the braking points and exits is crucial. The track can be tough on the car’s brakes, so managing temperatures is always key.”
“Finally, the threat of bad weather is never far away and adds another challenge, even though it looks like we should have dry conditions this weekend.”
Stroll says he’s proud to race for Aston Martin since 2021: “It’s been great to be part of the team from the beginning. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come over the years. The number of talented people who’ve joined us is remarkable, and we’ve also built a fantastic new home.”
“The AMR Technology Campus, with its new wind tunnel and simulator, is a game changer and a real statement of intent, and now we’re working flat out to maximise everything we have. It’s super exciting to be on this journey, and the future looks even more exciting.”
