F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2023: Lance Stroll to race in season-opener despite wrist injury and missing testing

ByTNT Sports

Updated 02/03/2023 at 10:44 GMT

There were some concerns that Aston Martin star Lance Stroll would not be able to race in the F1 2023 season-opener in Bahrain after suffering a wrist injury in a bike accident in Spain. However it appears as if these fears were premature, with Stroll confirming that he will race in Bahrain after missing testing for Aston Martin, adding that he was looking forward to his return to the cockpit.

Albon criticises FIA ban on political statements as Williams unveil car

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will race at the 2023 F1 season-opener in Bahrain despite suffering a wrist injury.

Stroll, 24, missed pre-season testing after falling off a bike in Spain and hurting his wrist.

However, despite this the Canadian will still race the season-opener in Bahrain.

Bahrain Grand Prix

'It looked a bit lonely out there...' - Verstappen after Bahrain GP win

00:02:19

05/03/2023 at 22:31

"It was frustrating not to be out in Bahrain for the pre-season test, and I was disappointed to miss the three days of running," he said of the injury.

"However, given the injury to my wrist, the team and I felt it was best to focus on recovery so that I would be ready for this weekend and the long season ahead.

"It was an unfortunate accident - I fell from my bike when my tyre caught a hole in the ground - but thankfully the damage was not significant and a successful minor surgery on my right wrist fixed the problem very quickly.

"Since then, I've been working hard with my team to ensure that I am fully fit to compete this weekend.

"I would like to thank the F1 community for their support and privacy, as well as the team who have helped my recovery.

"Now I'm ready to get my head down and concentrate on racing this weekend - something I'm really looking forward to."

Aston Martin’s reserve drivers, Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich, will both stay in situ just in case.

The F1 season begins on Sunday with the opening race at Bahrain. You can follow along with Eurosport’s live coverage here.

Bahrain Grand Prix

'One of our worst days' - Hamilton, Wolff disconsolate after grim day for Mercedes

05/03/2023 at 22:31

Bahrain Grand Prix

Verstappen wins Bahrain season-opener as Red Bull secure one-two, Hamilton fifth

05/03/2023 at 22:32

Bahrain Grand Prix

‘We are not good enough’ – Wolff in stunning admission over car concept

05/03/2023 at 12:48