FIA announce Stroll investigation verdict

Aston Martin has been reprimanded after Lance Stroll failed to attend his fan engagement activity, which was investigated after first practice. 

During an investigation by the stewards, it was brought to their attention by Aston Martin that Stroll failed to attend his media duties on Friday due to having a medical appointment. 

It was informed to the stewards that Stroll had a medical issue which started in the morning, with the media delegate having been told of the Canadian's condition as soon as they could. 

The stewards' report states that they do have "sympathy" for the Aston Martin driver, although Aston Martin should have seeked a medical exemption for Stroll from the chief medical officer or the medical delegate.

The full stewards' report read: The Stewards received a report from the Media Delegate that the the driver of Car 18 (Lance Stroll), did not attend the Friday fan engagement activity. 

"The Stewards heard from the team representative and the driver and determined that the driver was indeed not present for the fan engagement activity. The driver stated that he was having an appointment with his doctor at the time of the fan activity due to some health issues arising this morning. 

"This was confirmed by the team. The team representative explained that they informed the Media Delegate as soon as possible but the timeline to do so was very tight. 

"Whilst the Stewards have sympathy for the driver seeking immediate medical attention in case of any health issues, they also note that the due process in such a case is to contact the Chief Medial Officer and/or the Medical Delegate and to ask for a medical exemption for not attending the fan activity as prescribed in Article 19.2 c) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. 

"Considering the circumstances, the Stewards determine that a reprimand to the team for not following the due process to seek a medical exemption is appropriate."