Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll withdraws from F1 Singapore Grand Prix following qualifying crash

Lance Stroll has withdrawn from the F1 Singapore Grand Prix due to still feeling the effects of his nasty crash during qualifying on Saturday.

The Canadian driver hit a wall at high speed during the first qualifying session. The dust and debris left by the incident caused the session to be red flagged and meant a long delay was required for the clean-up, while Stroll - who walked away from the accident - was taken for a medical examination.

When major injury was ruled out, the Aston Martin driver was still considered a possible participant in Sunday's race, but a statement from the team confirmed that he would miss out.

The statement read: "Following Lance’s crash in qualifying during the Singapore Grand Prix, Lance and Aston Martin have jointly agreed that he will not participate in the Singapore Grand Prix this evening.

"The team face a huge job repairing the car today and understandably Lance is still sore following such a high impact. Lance’s focus now shifts to fully recovering ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.”

The confirmation that Stroll intends to race in next weekend's Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan suggests that the Canadian's withdrawal could be more precautionary.

With the decision coming so late Aston cannot call up a replacement so the race will start with 19 drivers.

Team Principal Mike Krack gave his impression of the situation.

He said: "The whole team are relieved that Lance was able to step out of the car after yesterday’s accident – however, he is still feeling the after-effects of such a high-impact crash.

"Our priority now is that he makes a full and speedy recovery. Together, we have decided that he will sit out this evening’s race and instead focus fully on returning to the cockpit for next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.”

Stroll is sitting ninth in the drivers' standings, while team mate Fernando Alonso is third.

Alonso will start the Singapore GP from seventh place while Carlos Sainz will start from pole position.

Sainz posted the fastest time in an intriguing qualifying battle that saw world champion Max Verstappen eliminated early.

The Dutchman qualified 11th and will have his work cut out for him if he is to win an 11th consecutive Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

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