F1 hopeful issues Canadian GP pledge as Lance Stroll doubt lingers

Felipe Drugovich has stated he would choose to miss the 24 Hours of Le Mans if it meant making his F1 debut.

Drugovich is scheduled to race at Le Mans with Cadillac during the same weekend as the Canadian Grand Prix in just over one week's time.

Lance Stroll's participation in the Montreal race is under question after he withdrew from the race in Spain due to hand and wrist pain.

Drugovich has long held the Aston Martin reserve driver role and filled in for Stroll during pre-season testing in 2023 when Stroll was involved in a cycling accident.

The pain Stroll experienced last weekend is believed to be related to the injuries he sustained in the cycling accident two years ago.

Should Stroll be ruled out of the Canadian event, Drugovich asserted he would be ready to fill in. 

“At the moment, I don't even know exactly how things will happen from now on,” Drugovich told Brazilian broadcaster Band.

“First of all, we have to wish Lance the best. For Le Mans, in that regard, my priority has always been Formula 1, so that's what must be maintained until then."

Aston Martin asserted it does have plans in place if a driver is full-time driver is ruled out.

“Plan A is to have Lance in the car,” said chief trackside officer Mike Krack. 

“That's the plan A, and that is what we are working to. And if the plan A doesn't work, then we need Plan B.

“We always knew Le Mans was going to happen, so we have plans in place.”

Krack added it would monitor how the next days unfold before declaring its line up for the race in Canada.