Lance Stroll gives news of his Grand Prix national in Montreal
On the eve of the Canadian Grand Prix, Lance Stroll faces a double challenge: to shine in front of his home crowd, and to demonstrate that he has definitively overcome a recurring injury to his right wrist. Here's a look back at what the Canadian driver had to say at the press conference held on Thursday afternoon at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
Back on his home turf, Lance Stroll expresses confidence about returning to competition. The Aston Martin driver appeared at the FIA press conference on the sidelines of the Canadian Grand Prix with a certain nonchalance but says he’s happy to be back at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit. He took the opportunity to update on his wrist, recently treated after persistent pain. He also didn’t hesitate to dodge some more intrusive questions, preferring to focus on the sporting stakes of the weekend.
Read also: Aston Martin clarifies Lance Stroll’s participation in the Canadian GP
A wrist finally healed?
After struggling during several races, notably in Imola, Monaco, and especially Barcelona, the Aston Martin driver explained that he underwent a procedure right after the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying. « In Barcelona, it was really painful all weekend. I underwent a medical procedure after the race, and since then, I haven’t felt any pain », he explained.
When Tom Clarkson, who hosts the FIA press conferences, insists on the wrist limitations, Lance finally explains: « It’s an old injury that has flared up, it had been bothering me for a few weeks » before adding: « I got treatment in Barcelona, I drove this week [at Le Castellet] and I felt pretty good. I’m confident. »
The journalists present on site then tried to obtain more details concerning the exact nature of the intervention, but the driver was very sparing with details and even mentioned medical confidentiality. One thing is certain: it was indeed his right wrist that was problematic, as he confirmed during a particularly direct question: « Yeah, it’s the right one. It’s still a bit sensitive, but it’s okay. »
Motors Inside, who was also present, noted that the driver barely moved his right arm during the press conference. Is this really a good sign for the rest of the weekend? A situation to watch.
From frustration at the end of the Spanish GP qualifying session.
Asked about his attitude in Spain, where he seemed to downplay the magnitude of the issue, the Canadian admitted he tried to grit his teeth:
« Like any athlete, you try to push through the pain to achieve a good result. But at that point, I felt like I was making the situation worse. I understood that serious action was needed. »
The accumulated pain and frustration also resulted in visible tension in the garage: « Yes, I was frustrated. Frustrated by my wrist, and by the last three races since Imola. It was limiting my driving. I knew that Sunday was going to be difficult, if not impossible. »
A frustrating situation for any driver, and even more so when part of a team seeking results and consistency.
A special meeting
The Canadian Grand Prix has a special flavor for Lance Stroll, who grew up in Montreal. “It’s good to be here, to race at home,” he said while chewing his gum. “It’s a track that I really like, and I think the team has always been competitive here,” he added.
With the technical improvements made by Aston Martin since the Imola Grand Prix, the 26-year-old driver hopes to deliver a good performance in front of his home crowd. Another situation to watch.
