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Credit: The newly announced Williams Martini Racing driver for the 2017 season Lance Stroll attends a media conference at their base in Wantage (REUTERS)/Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

‘He was wincing in pain’: Lance Stroll’s dramatic return sparks Aston Martin concerns

Originally posted on HITC | By David Comerford | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 9:59 AM ET

Lance Stroll has been cleared to race at the Canadian Grand Prix following his absence in Barcelona. Stroll pulled out after qualifying due to severe pain in his hands and wrists.

The issue stems from a 2023 bike crash where he suffered several fractures. According to Aston Martin, the pain had been building for weeks and became too much to handle in Spain.

Stroll underwent a medical procedure, and there were doubts about whether he’d make the grid in Montreal. The team considered calling up reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who was set to race at Le Mans, or even Mercedes stand-in Valtteri Bottas.

However, on Wednesday, Aston Martin confirmed the 26-year-old is ready to compete. Stroll has a solid track record at his home race, finishing in the points five out of six times, including a P7 last season.

Lance Stroll spotted ‘wincing in pain’ at the Canadian Grand Prix

An extra layer was added to the Stroll injury story after reports of a breakdown in the Aston Martin garage, with claims that he shouted at team personnel, punched a wall, and threw objects.

An Aston Martin mechanic rejected claims that Stroll used foul language. It’s unclear if his frustration was linked to his pain — Stroll also had a Q2 exit to deal with.

According to Sky Sports commentator David Croft, it’s believed Stroll broke a helmet during the incident.

Ted Kravitz and Craig Slater, speaking on the ‘Podbook’ before the Canadian Grand Prix, commented on Stroll’s body language during a press conference and noted a concerning moment inside the paddock:

Kravitz: “He didn’t flatly rebuff, refuse or deny any more of the lurid stories that he was shouting at people. He just said, ‘Yes I was very upset’.

Slater: “A lot of people are saying they wish he would have actually come out and said, ‘No, I punched the wall.’

Kravitz: “He didn’t have much to say today at all, sat there chewing gum throughout the press conference.

Slater: “[He] conspicuously [had] his right-hand in his pocket, which Ace Detective David Croft picked up on and wanted to know if that was the hand that had been damaged, and Stroll had to concede that indeed it was.

“We saw him in the garage today, wincing in pain, it would appear, as he sat in the cockpit, which didn’t augur particularly well.

“Some people think it would be nice for Stroll to admit how angry he got, just to counter this notion that he’s a phlegmatic, reluctant campaigner in Formula 1, who’s just there in some people’s minds to carry out his father’s racing ambitions and his heart and soul isn’t into it.”

Fernando Alonso shares what’s impressed him about Lance Stroll

Fernando Alonso, Stroll’s teammate at Aston Martin, shared his thoughts on Stroll’s recovery during Thursday’s media sessions. Alonso, who finished ninth in Spain to earn his first points of the season, highlighted Stroll’s quick return as a positive sign.

Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Alonso added that Stroll’s return showed a determination that contradicts criticisms of his motivation.

“Hopefully now he can feel back to 100%,” he said, speaking to Formula 1’s official website. “Already that he is here racing shows a commitment, and it shows he’s really working hard to feel well in the car and to perform at 100%.”

“We are all very happy for him, especially in Canada because it’s his home race that he’s here and hopefully a great weekend for him.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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