It is also unclear whether the ex-Vettel colleague is fit for the start of the season on March 5th. Image: www.imago-images.de / imago images
formula 1
With 23 World Championship races, the 2023 Formula 1 calendar is the largest in Formula 1 history. The field of drivers for this was already completed before Abu Dhabi. The only test drives before the start of the season will take place in Bahrain from Thursday to Saturday.
At least one person will be missing, as announced on Monday. An ex-Vettel colleague has injured himself and is no longer able to take part. The start of the season may also be in jeopardy.
Aston Martin driver is probably out for the time being
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver and ex-colleague of Sebastian Vettel, was injured in Spain. As the racing team announced in the afternoon, there was a “minor” accident during the pre-season. The Silverstone team did not specify the injury in the message. Apparently it is not serious.
“Lance expects a speedy recovery and a return to driving duties,” Aston Martin said. Lance Stroll himself explained in the statement that he had an unfortunate accident while training on his bike.
It is still unclear whether the injury will affect the start of the season opener in Bahrain. Apparently this cannot be ruled out. “His fitness to return to the cockpit will be checked daily and the team will provide an update ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix,” Aston Martin said.
Stroll is confident
However, it is unlikely that he will be out for the entire season. Stroll said: “I’m determined to get back in the car and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season with the team. I’m motivated to recover from this setback as soon as possible.”
The question is who will replace Fernando Alonso’s new team-mate in Bahrain. There is no official information about this yet. However, Aston Martin has two potential reserve drivers in its squad: Formula E World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne and reigning Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich.
One thing is clear: the injured pilot does not have much time to get fit. Just one week after the test drives, the season starts on March 5th.
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The accident is reminiscent of a very similar incident at Aston Martin two years ago: Back then, Stroll’s new team-mate, Spaniard Alonso, was also injured on a bike during pre-season. However, he had broken his jaw.
Shortly after the words left his lips, Julian Nagelsmann knew that he had to calm things down as quickly as possible.
