Lance Stroll Set to Return for Canadian Grand Prix After Surgery — But Final Decision Pending

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll is on track to make a dramatic return to the Formula 1 grid at his home race in Montreal — the Canadian Grand Prix — just weeks after undergoing wrist surgery. While an official confirmation is still pending, early signs indicate the Canadian driver will be medically cleared in time for lights out.

Lance Stroll was forced to withdraw from the Spanish Grand Prix due to lingering pain from injuries sustained in a 2023 cycling accident. He had sought medical treatment after qualifying in Barcelona, and doctors recommended a break from racing to avoid further aggravation.

The 25-year-old underwent a new procedure at a Barcelona clinic, led by MotoGP surgeon Dr. Xavier Mir, who also assisted him in recovering from his previous injuries last year. Dr. Mir’s expertise had previously enabled Lance Stroll to return to F1 just two weeks after his initial accident, where he remarkably finished sixth in Bahrain.

As of now, Aston Martin has not issued a formal update on Stroll’s recovery timeline, but team sources suggest an optimistic outlook. If there are no setbacks in the final days leading up to the Canadian GP, Stroll is expected to race in front of his home fans.

In case Lance Stroll is deemed unfit for the Canadian GP, Aston Martin has backup plans involving reserve drivers Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne. However, both drivers are committed to racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the same weekend. Drugovich, who was seen as the top choice to replace Stroll, is already in France preparing for Sunday’s test day and reportedly intends to remain with Cadillac’s Le Mans team.

Aston Martin Lance Stroll’s Time in Formula 1 May Be Over—And It’s Long Overdue

Aston Martin’s trackside performance director, Mike Krack, hinted in Spain that the team could recall a Le Mans-bound reserve on short notice, but with current signs pointing toward Stroll’s return, that contingency plan may not be needed.

Still, if a last-minute replacement becomes necessary, another wildcard could emerge: Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas. As part of a pre-existing agreement, Mercedes can make Bottas available to its customer teams, including Aston Martin. However, Bottas carries a five-place grid penalty from a collision at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP — a potential setback if used as a stand-in.

The team is expected to make a final announcement regarding Lance Stroll’s participation closer to the weekend, pending medical clearance. For now, fans remain hopeful that the Montreal native will be back in the cockpit for one of the sport’s most anticipated races.

Should he return, Lance Stroll’s comeback at the Canadian GP will mark not just a physical triumph, but a pivotal moment in a season where Aston Martin is looking to regain momentum in the midfield battle.