Lance Stroll: Aston Martin driver to miss Formula 1 pre-season testing after ‘minor’ cycling accident

Lance Stroll involved in “minor accident” while cycling in Spain ahead of the 2023 F1 season; Aston Martin driver will miss pre-season testing, which begins in Bahrain on Thursday; reserve Stoffel Vandoorne and development driver Felipe Drugovich most likely candidates to fill seat

Lance Stroll was involved in a ‘minor’ cycling accident in Spain

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will miss this week’s Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain after suffering injuries in a “minor” cycling accident in Spain.

Aston Martin did not confirm whether Stroll, who is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, will be fit to race at the 2023 season opener, but said he would be “assessed daily” ahead of the March 3-5 Grand Prix, which is also in Bahrain.

It remains to be seen who will replace Stroll at testing, with Aston Martin reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne scheduled to be competing in Formula E in Cape Town, which could clear the path for reigning F2 champion Felipe Drugovich, the team’s development driver, to get an unexpected opportunity.

An Aston Martin statement said: “Whilst pre-season training on a bicycle in Spain, Lance Stroll was involved in a minor accident and sustained injuries which will result in him sitting out the pre-season test in Bahrain.

“Lance is however expecting a quick recovery and return to driving duties. His fitness to return to the cockpit will be assessed daily and the team will issue an update ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

“The team wishes Lance a speedy recovery and looks forward to his usual energy and commitment within the team.”

Stroll, who has a new team-mate this season in two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, is set to begin his seventh campaign in the sport.

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Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll give their thoughts at the launch of Aston Martin’s car for the 2023 season

“I’ve had an unfortunate accident whilst training on my bike in preparation for the season,” the 24-year-old Canadian said.

“I am determined to get back in the car and I am excited about the season ahead with the team. I am motivated to bounce back from this setback as quickly as possible.”

News of Stroll’s injury came just a few hours after Aston Martin had announced that Vandoorne and Drugovich would both also be available to competitors McLaren for the first 15 races of the season, should a situation arise where they were needed.

The agreement sees McLaren expand their pool of reserve options, with Mercedes’ Mick Schumacher already having been made available to them in a similar agreement.

Pre-season testing and all 23 races in Formula 1’s biggest-ever season are live on Sky Sports F1.