There may be more to Lance Stroll's abrupt withdrawal from the Spanish Grand Prix than meets the eye.
The Aston Martin driver took part in practice and qualifying in Barcelona, placing 14th — before being withdrawn from the race due to a reported flare-up of a previous hand and wrist injury.
Stroll, 26, underwent surgery in 2023 after a cycling accident and, according to the team, required an urgent "procedure to rectify these issues."
But eyebrows were raised immediately after qualifying when Stroll failed to comply with the mandatory FIA post-qualifying weigh-in. He remained in the garage for five minutes before finally heading to the officials.
Now, reports suggest Stroll may have lost his temper during that time, allegedly insulting team members and breaking equipment in the garage.
While Aston Martin has admitted the Canadian was "upset," the team denies any link between the alleged outburst and his subsequent withdrawal from the race.
Because Stroll pulled out after qualifying, the team was not permitted to substitute him with a reserve driver.
Speculation is now mounting that Stroll could also miss his home race in Montreal in two weeks, with Felipe Drugovich the most likely stand-in — although the 25-year-old is also scheduled to compete at Le Mans.
Aston Martin's trackside boss Mike Krack told motorsport-total.com: "We have to wait and see what the next few days bring. There will be more tests and examinations."
"For Canada, it's simple — plan A is to put Lance in the car. If that doesn't work, we need a plan B. But the goal is to make sure plan A works."
Auto Motor und Sport noted it was "odd" that Aston Martin waited until after qualifying — when substitutions were no longer allowed — to sideline Stroll, despite reports he had been in pain for six weeks.
As one unnamed team insider put it: "Racing drivers only give up when there's no other option."
Bild added that Stroll has long been "surrounded by controversy," with many questioning both his motivation and talent.
"So far," the German newspaper wrote, "his father hasn't pulled the ripcord."
