Lance Stroll Injured, Misses Spanish GP
The Spanish Grand Prix saw a dramatic turn of events, with Piastri's win and Verstappen's penalty, while Aston Martin's situation is complicated by Stroll's injury, potentially paving the way for Drugovich's F1 debut, as the team navigates the challenges of the current season.
Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll will not participate in the Spanish Grand Prix due to recurring pain in his right hand and wrist, an injury related to a cycling accident he sustained in 2023. Stroll's medical team has confirmed that he will undergo surgery to rectify the issue, which has been ongoing for six weeks, causing discomfort in his hand and wrist.
The injury means Aston Martin will only have one car on the starting grid for the Spanish GP, with Stroll's absence leaving a gap. Felipe Drugovich, a Brazilian racing driver, is considering giving up his Le Mans 24 Hours drive to debut in Formula 1 with Aston Martin. Drugovich is contracted to race at Le Mans alongside Jack Aitken and Frederik Vesti, but has made it clear that his priority is Formula 1.
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix, beating his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris to the top step of the podium. Piastri's victory extended his world championship lead over Norris to 10 points. Max Verstappen, who was initially in second place, was penalised with a 10-second time penalty for a late collision with George Russell, demoting him to 10th place.
The result leaves Verstappen 49 points behind Piastri in the championship standings. With Stroll's injury and potential surgery, Aston Martin's lineup for upcoming races remains uncertain, while Drugovich's potential F1 debut with the team alongside Fernando Alonso is a significant opportunity.