Aston Martin refuse to confirm long-term fix for Lance Stroll injury

Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell feels Lance Stroll's medical privacy should be respected after the Canadian underwent a procedure recently to rectify an old wrist injury.

Following qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix 12 days ago [May 31], Aston Martin confirmed that due to severe pain in Stroll's right wrist, he had decided to withdraw from the following day's race at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.

Stroll immediately had an operation to remedy the initial problem sustained after he broke both wrists in a cycling accident shortly ahead of the 2023 season-opening race in Bahrain.

As he miraculously did then when he competed in that race, Stroll has recovered sufficiently to take part in his home race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend.

Cowell, however, shied away from commenting when asked directly whether the problem was now fixed medically. Speaking to the media, including RacingNews365, he said: "We have to respect everybody's medical privacy in situations like that.

"I think you know Lance is a determined racer. He was the most upset that he wasn't driving Sunday in Barcelona, and he has been the most determined person in the whole team to make sure that he's here this weekend."

Stroll was always 'plan A'

Cowell has confirmed that whilst contingencies were in place, such as reserves Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne, both competing in Le Mans this weekend, the focus was always on ensuring Stroll could compete.

Shortly after the procedure, Stroll was in the simulator as part of his regular preparation for a grand prix. In addition, he also headed to Paul Ricard for a run-out in an older car to ensure there were no lingering after-effects

"With every situation, you have different plans, but Plan A has been strong all the way through," confirmed Cowell regarding Stroll.

"Lance is here, he caught up with some of the race team [on Wednesday], and we are really pleased with how things have gone over the last couple of weeks, but we always had things planned in and contingencies [in place].

"There has been a great open dialogue, and I've been super impressed with the way Lance has got stuck in.

"He's been in the factory, working on this year's and next year's car, having lunch with Adrian [Newey], and then going to Paul Ricard, having run the simulator beforehand, so it has been a busy few days.

"The simulator provided a really good representation of this year's car, and the car he drove at Paul Ricard was an older one, so it was less representative."

Cowell further dismissed suggestions that Aston Martin found itself in an uncompromising situation in Barcelona where Stroll pulled out on a Saturday evening after qualifying. If he had done so ahead of final practice, the team could have called on a reserve.

"We have to respect the fact that all the drivers are ultra-competitive and are elite athletes, and their competitive nature means they want to drive and want to be in the race," said Cowell.

"I've got huge admiration for all the drivers, and nobody wants to miss a race, but when, for medical reasons, things get too much, you've got to stop, and that was the situation in Barcelona on Saturday.

"But let's think positively and look forward."