Stroll missing from Singapore race after heavy crash in qualifying

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17 September 2023 at 08:22
Last update 17 September 2023 at 09:05

Lance Stroll will not start in the Singapore Grand Prix. The Canadian crashed hard in qualifying and in consultation with the team, it has been decided not to participate in the evening race on the semi-street circuit.

In a statement, Aston Martin announced five hours before the race: 'Following Lance’s crash in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, Lance and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One®️ Team have jointly agreed that he will not participate in this evening’s race.'

Little was left of the AMR23 after the crash and so the mechanics had much work to do to repair the car. They seemed to have succeeded nicely, but it was still decided on Sunday that Stroll would not get back in the car to take part in the race.

Krack on Stroll's absence

"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," said team boss Mike Krack. "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 would have to start 20th and last at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and, as overtaking is difficult, his chances of getting points were slim anyway.