Lance Stroll has been cleared by the doctors and the FIA to compete in F1 Bahrain GP, as Aston Martin keeps their reserve on-site.
With the media day in F1 Bahrain GP, Aston Martin has confirmed the participation of Stroll after getting an all-clear from the doctors. The Canadian is already in Bahrain after missing the pre-season test where Felipe Drugovich filled in for him in the AMR23.
There were speculation around the extent of the injury too with Mike Krack only mentioning injury to his hand and wrist. This led to wild theories of longer time to heal, needing someone to fill for him where Sebastian Vettel’s name popped up.
Krack agreed to speaking to Vettel, but played down him as the stand-in. Aston Martin quickly confirmed Drugovich as the replacement if Stroll couldn’t drive. The Brazilian remains on-site along with Stoffel Vandoorne as per the original plan.
Even though Stroll has been confirmed to race, there is still a possibility of him feeling discomfort and Aston Martin needing Drugovich to step in. The Canadian, meanwhile, expanded on how he got injured and going for a minor surgery in Barcelona.
“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,” said Stroll. “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.
“It was an unfortunate accident – 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.”
Here’s Aston Martin on Felipe Drugovich
Here’s Mike Krack on Sebastian Vettel and others
Here’s Mike Krack, Felipe Drugovich on the situation
Here’s news on Lance Stroll
Here’s news on Aston Martin reserve on loan to McLaren