Why Aston Martin can't replace Stroll for the Spanish GP?

🚨 Lance Stroll Withdraws from the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix

In a dramatic turn ahead of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Lance Stroll has officially withdrawn from the race weekend due to a flare-up of pain in his right wrist—an area still recovering from the cycling accident he suffered in early 2023.

💥 Recap: The Original Injury

Back in February 2023, Stroll sustained multiple injuries during a pre-season cycling crash. He fractured both wrists and a toe, requiring immediate surgery and intensive rehabilitation.

Despite these setbacks, he made a remarkable recovery and raced just weeks later in Bahrain, finishing a commendable sixth.

Over the past two seasons, he has continued competing, but the physical toll of his injuries appears to have caught up with him. Leading into the Spanish GP, recurring pain in the surgically repaired wrist prompted his medical team to recommend a precautionary withdrawal.

Though he completed qualifying and was due to start 14th, the decision was made shortly after to prioritize his long-term health.

• Read more: What is the secret to McLaren being ahead of everyone else?

❌ Why Aston Martin Couldn’t Replace Him

Many fans asked: Why didn’t Aston Martin just slot in a reserve driver like Felipe Drugovich or Stoffel Vandoorne?

Formula 1 regulations stipulate that a team cannot replace a driver after qualifying has been completed, except under extreme force majeure circumstances, which must be approved by the stewards.

Because Stroll took part in qualifying and then withdrew after the session, Aston Martin forfeited the right to field a second driver for Sunday’s race.

This rule exists to maintain competitive fairness and ensure that all drivers complete the required sessions leading into the Grand Prix.

2025 Spanish GP Starting Grid.. or something like that!

As a result, Aston Martin was forced to run a single-car entry with Fernando Alonso representing the team alone on race day.

⏳ What’s Next?

Stroll is expected to undergo a minor procedure to address the pain and inflammation, with a recovery plan already in motion.

His participation in his home race in Canada—just two weeks away—remains uncertain and will depend on how well he responds to treatment.

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