Last Updated on June 10 2025, 9:53 am
Is Stroll’s home race back on track? Latest update suggests no driver change at Aston Martin – Despite ongoing uncertainty following his sudden withdrawal from the Spanish Grand Prix, Lance Stroll looks increasingly likely to compete in his home Grand Prix in Montreal. Recent comments from reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne at Le Mans suggest that Aston Martin is preparing to field its usual line-up in Canada, quelling speculation about a possible substitution.
After leaving the race early in Barcelona, Aston Martin confirmed that Stroll had undergone hand surgery just days after the race weekend. However, the team provided no details about the severity of the injury, how the procedure went or whether the 26-year-old Canadian would be fit in time for the next championship round. This sparked speculation that the team might need to call on a reserve — most likely Vandoorne — to step in.
But at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Vandoorne appeared to dismiss that possibility. The Belgian, who remains on standby for Aston Martin, stated that he had not had any conversations with the team about racing in Montreal.
“I think Lance is in good shape and has good doctors working with him. He will do everything he can to be at the race in Canada,” he told reporters, offering a vote of confidence that the local hero is on track to return.
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Mystery still surrounds Barcelona withdrawal
Despite this optimistic update, the circumstances surrounding Stroll’s sudden absence from the Spanish Grand Prix remain unclear. After a challenging qualifying session in Barcelona, Aston Martin initially reported that Stroll’s recurring hand pain had worsened, rendering him unfit to race on Sunday. The team claimed that the issue stemmed from long-standing discomfort and was not the result of a new incident.
However, this account has been challenged by multiple media outlets. The BBC was the first to report that Stroll had thrown a tantrum in the garage after qualifying, damaging equipment and shouting at team members in frustration. According to their account, his withdrawal from the race may not have been purely medical.
Adding to the intrigue, Gazzetta dello Sport suggested earlier this week that Aston Martin personnel had been unaware of any hand injury, implying that the medical explanation offered afterwards may have been a convenient cover story. Aston Martin has not responded to either of these claims, neither confirming nor denying the reported events behind closed doors.
No official confirmation yet
Although Vandoorne’s remarks will encourage fans hoping to see Stroll race in front of his home crowd, Aston Martin has yet to issue any formal confirmation about his participation in the Canadian Grand Prix. Until the team provides a medical update or Stroll himself makes a statement, uncertainty will continue to linger.
Nevertheless, the team is undoubtedly keen to avoid the negative press that would result from having to find a replacement, particularly for a race of such symbolic importance. With the Montreal event offering a rare spotlight for Canadian motorsport, and with massive home support expected, Stroll’s presence is vital for Aston Martin, both on and off the track.
His participation would also spare the team the logistical and sporting complications of a last-minute change. While Vandoorne is familiar with Aston Martin’s simulator and operational procedures, a full-time driver with current race mileage is irreplaceable, especially at a time when Aston Martin is fighting to stay ahead in the crowded midfield.
A key weekend lies ahead
For Stroll, the Canadian Grand Prix represents more than just a homecoming. After a difficult start to the season, marked by inconsistent performances and mounting pressure from within and outside the paddock, Montreal could provide a much-needed reset. A strong performance in front of his home crowd could change the narrative and silence some of the criticism surrounding his place in the team.
However, the final question remains whether his surgically repaired hand will hold up across the physically demanding weekend. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its aggressive kerbs, high-speed chicanes, and heavy braking zones, is far from an easy return to racing.
For now, all signs point to Stroll being back in the cockpit, but the speculation won’t fully disappear until he’s strapped into the car for FP1 on Friday. What is clear, though, is that the team and the driver are doing everything they can to ensure that Canada does not have to watch its only Formula 1 driver sit this one out.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
