Why Aston Martin can’t replace Lance Walk for the F1
Aston Martin F1 chauffeur Lance Stroll was a late withdrawal from the Spanish Grand Prix, experiencing pain in the hand and wrist– after-effects of a medical procedure he went through after a biking mishap on the eve of the 2023 season.
But the timing of the choice indicated it was too late to slot in a replacement.
In theory, Aston Martin has a reserve driver offered– 2022 F2 champ Felipe Drugovich– and it could likewise utilize Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas, winner of 10 grands prix. However the sporting policies are very clear about when teams are permitted to alter motorists.
Article 32.1 of the guidelines sets out that during each season a team might consume to a maximum of four motorists in races. But at a regular grand prix weekend– which Barcelona is– such a modification can not take place after certifying.
“Offered any change proposed after completion of initial scrutineering receives the consent of the stewards,” continues Article 32.2, “a modification of motorist may be made: a) At each Competitors where a sprint session is not set up, at any time before the start of the qualifying session. b) At each Competitors where a sprint session is arranged, at any time before the start of the sprint certifying session for a chauffeur who will participate in the sprint session, or at any time before the start of the certifying session for a motorist who will take part in the race.
“Additional changes for reasons of force majeure will be considered separately.”
Mike Krack, Chief Trackside Officer of the Aston Martin F1 Group Picture by: Zak Mauger/ Motorsport Images through Getty Images Given That Aston Martin did not reveal Walk’s withdrawal up until Saturday night, after completion of the session in which Stroll qualified 14th for the race, the reliable deadline had passed.
“Throughout the past six weeks Lance has actually been experiencing discomfort in his hand and wrist, which his medical expert believes remains in relation to the treatment he underwent in 2023,” said the group’s statement.
Considered that this scenario has actually been building for some time, it would be hard for the group to make a ‘force majeure’ case for replacing Stroll this weekend. It could, however, do so ahead of the next round in Canada if he remains indisposed.
Pictures from Spanish GP – Race
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In this article
Stuart Codling
Solution 1
Lance Stroll
Aston Martin Racing
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