**Lance Stroll Withdraws from Spanish Grand Prix Due to Recurring Injuries**

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll has pulled out of Sunday's Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix due to ongoing pain in his hand and wrist, which will necessitate another medical procedure. Stroll had initially qualified 14th for the race in Barcelona, while his teammate Fernando Alonso secured 10th fastest in the qualifiers.

Stroll, who has been the sole contributor of Aston Martin’s 14 points this season, has struggled with these injuries over the past six weeks. The discomfort is linked to a previous procedure he underwent in 2023 following a cycling accident. Interestingly, this accident occurred just two weeks before the season's opening round, leaving him unable to move his hands, with a broken toe, and an inability to walk, necessitating surgery at that time.

The team's announcement late Saturday emphasized Stroll's need for a new procedure to address these lingering issues. However, Aston Martin has not provided specifics regarding the timing of this impending procedure or the expected duration of his recovery period.

With the next grand prix scheduled to take place in Canada, Stroll's home race, in two weeks, there's uncertainty if he will be fit to participate. Depending on his recovery, reserve drivers Felipe Drugovich or Stoffel Vandoorne might step in. Drugovich, who is on site in Spain, is currently unable to replace Stroll for the Spanish Grand Prix, as he hasn't participated in any sessions so far this weekend.

Following the qualifiers in Spain, Stroll was reported to the stewards for not adhering to the post-qualifying weighing protocol. Technical delegate Jo Bauer noted that Stroll spent five minutes in the team garage before attending the weigh-in and did not proceed through the pitlane. The late-night announcement of Stroll’s withdrawal suggests his additional time in the garage may have been due to the pain he was experiencing immediately after stepping out of the car.

While fans will miss seeing Stroll on the track this weekend, the focus now shifts to his treatment and recovery, with hopes he will regain full fitness soon.