Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll was late to the Spanish Grand Prix, complaining about hand and wrist pain – after the aftereffect of a medical procedure following a cycling accident on the eve of the 2023 season.

However, the timing of this decision means that it is too late to replace the slot.

In theory, Aston Martin has a reserve driver – 2022 F2 champion Felipe Drugovich – which also uses Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas, the 10 Grands Prix champions. However, sports regulations are very clear when teams will be allowed to change drivers.

Article 32.1 of the statute states that a team may use up to four drivers in a race in each season. But this change is not possible after the normal Grand Prix weekend - Barcelona is - after the qualifying match.

“Provided any change proposed after the end of initial scrutineering receives the consent of the steels,” continues Article 32.2, “a change of driver may be made: a) At each Competition where a sprint session is not scheduled, at any time before the start of the qualifying session. b) At each Competition where a sprint session is scheduled, at any time before the start of the sprint qualifying session for a driver who will participate in the sprint The session, or at any time before the driver's qualifying race will begin.

“Other changes for force majeure reasons will be considered separately.”

As Aston Martin didn't announce Stroll's withdrawal until Saturday night, as Stroll finished 14th in the race after the match, the valid deadline has passed.

"Lance's hands and wrists have been in pain over the past six weeks, and his medical consultant believes this is related to the procedures he received in 2023," the team's statement said.

Given that this situation has been in place for some time, it is difficult for the team to replace the "force majeure" case of strolling this weekend. But if he stays still, he can do so before the next round in Canada.