Lance Stroll’s abrupt withdrawal from Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix has sparked a wave of speculation in the Formula 1 paddock, with whispers suggesting his exit was tied to more than just a lingering wrist injury.
Aston Martin attributed Stroll’s absence to hand and wrist pain linked to a 2023 cycling accident, but reports of a post-qualifying outburst in the team’s garage have fueled doubts about the official narrative.
The Silverstone-based outfit announced late Saturday that Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, would miss the race due to worsening pain from a 2023 procedure following a cycling accident that fractured both wrists.
The statement noted Stroll had endured discomfort for six weeks, covering recent races in Miami, Imola, and Monaco. Yet, the timing – hours after Stroll’s Q2 elimination, where he trailed teammate Fernando Alonso by half a second – raised eyebrows.
According to a report from ESPN, prominent figures from three rival teams expressed skepticism about Aston Martin’s explanation, with some sources describing a “chaotic scene” in the garage.
Allegedly, Stroll threw a temper tantrum, breaking equipment and swearing at team members. An Aston Martin spokesperson confirmed to ESPN, “Lance was upset,” but offered no further details
Krack Dismisses Gossip, Defends Stroll
Aston Martin’s chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, addressed the rumors directly. When asked about the possibility that Stroll injured his hand during the outburst, Krack dismissed it with a laugh.
“I was on the pit wall. I have not heard anything like that. This is typical paddock gossip,” he said.
He explained that drivers often conceal pain to keep racing, referencing Stroll’s 2023 recovery.
“We do not ask a driver every five minutes, ‘Do you have pain or not?’ You know? You have a chat here with the physio or a chat and you understand there are some small issues,” he added.
“We’ve seen this with Lance in 2023, when he fought his way back. They want to drive. They do not want to be out. So very often, I think they drive with probably more pain than they would probably admit to be able to drive, because this is what they love to do.
“Over the last weeks, there was a mention here or there, but you’re never aware how much it is. Over the weekend, I think it was getting too much.”
Read also: Lance Stroll sidelined from Spanish GP due to wrist painKrack’s comments suggest Stroll’s pain was underreported, only becoming unmanageable in Barcelona.
However, the lack of prior mention on team radio or in media sessions, combined with the tantrum reports, have left some insiders unconvinced, with sources noting many within Aston Martin were unaware of the issue until the withdrawal statement.
Uncertain Future and Canadian GP Looming
Stroll’s withdrawal meant Aston Martin fielded only Alonso’s car in Sunday’s race in Barcelona, as rules prevented the team from calling on one of its reserve drivers after qualifying.
With surgery planned to address the wrist issue, Stroll’s participation in his home Canadian Grand Prix on June 15 remains uncertain. Krack remained optimistic however: “Plan A is to have Lance in the car.”
Should Stroll be sidelined, Aston Martin has options, including reserve drivers Felipe Drugovich, Stoffel Vandoorne, or even Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, though Drugovich’s Le Mans commitment could complicate matters.
The paddock buzz continues, with Stroll’s alleged outburst and injury raising more questions than answers.
As Aston Martin navigates the fallout, the true cause of Stroll’s absence – medical necessity or emotional strain – remains a point of intrigue, with the Canadian’s F1 future under scrutiny as the season progresses.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Stroll’s Spanish GP pullout tied to temper flare-up? F1i.com.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Stroll’s Spanish GP pullout tied to temper flare-up? )
Also on site :