Why Aston Martin can't replace Lance Stroll at Spanish GP

Aston Martin made an unexpected announcement on Saturday night as it declared Lance Stroll had withdrawn from the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Canadian driver has been struggling with pains in his hands and wrists, which the team suspect may be related to the injuries he suffered in a cycling accident on the build-up to the 2023 season.

Stroll took part in every practice session in the build-up to the race in Barcelona before qualifying in 14th place.

But just hours after the qualifying session ended, Aston Martin declared he would not drive in the race.

F1 teams are prepared for such situations that see a driver unexpectedly unable to partake at a grand prix event.

Reserve drivers are employed by the teams to be on standby in case one of the full-time competitors can't drive.

In its own ranks, Aston Martin has a Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich and ex-McLaren F1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne ready to jump in. It was Drugovich who drove for Stroll at pre-season testing two years ago when Stroll originally injured his hands and wrists.

But neither is eligible to replace Stroll for the grand prix in Spain.

Article 32.2 a) of the F1 sporting regulations outlines that a driver can be replaced “at any time before the start of the qualifying session”.

It means that a driver can't be called up to a race seat without first taking part in a session that preceded it in the race weekend.

It is unclear how long Stroll's recovery will take following his latest procedure, but should it extend to his home round in Canada, Drugovich or Vandoorne would likely get the chance to step in. 

This however, could see further complications as both are due to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the same weekend.