Sky F1’s Croft still ‘not buying’ Stroll injury claim

Sky F1’s David Croft has once again voiced serious doubts about Aston Martin’s official explanation for Lance Stroll’s last-minute withdrawal from last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Stroll was set to start 14th on the grid in Barcelona after a Q2 elimination but was abruptly ruled out of Sunday’s race, with Aston Martin citing “pain in his [right] hand and wrist” tied to surgery from his 2023 cycling accident.

But whispers of doubt have emerged, with Croft leading the charge in challenging the team’s narrative.

As speculation swirls and Aston Martin remains silent on Stroll’s fitness for next week’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, the paddock is abuzz with questions about what really happened in Barcelona.

“I don’t buy the ‘We’ve been monitoring this for six weeks’ [claim],” Croft said during The F1 Show on Sky Sports.

Crofty Questions the Timeline

According to the team, Stroll had been under medical observation for weeks and was advised to undergo a procedure before focusing on recovery. But that timeline doesn’t sit right with Croft.

“If they’ve been monitoring it for six weeks, then surely, for the good of the team, they wouldn’t have put Lance in the car in qualifying if it’s got to a point whereby he might not be fit enough to do the race. They’d bring in [reserve driver] Drugovich.”

Indeed, Stroll had shown glimpses of competitive form in qualifying, notably delivering a strong lap in Q1.

“Lance puts in a lap that takes him P7 in Q1. He’s obviously fit enough to drive well at some stage during that qualifying session.”

That strong opening performance makes the subsequent withdrawal even more puzzling – and fuels growing intrigue.

Anger Behind the Scenes?

On Sunday, whispers from the paddock suggested that emotions may have run high after Stroll's early exit from qualifying, where he was outpaced by team-mate Fernando Alonso.

While official sources deny any inappropriate behaviour, Croft referenced unverified reports of an angry outburst inside the garage.

“I understand that a helmet was thrown, to the extent that the helmet might have been damaged, such was the force that it hit the wall,” Croft claimed. “There was a lot of shouting and swearing going on as well."

“Lance has got form for punching walls before, albeit partition walls that wouldn’t necessarily hurt him. I’ve heard that before in his time at Aston Martin.”

Aston Martin mechanic Harry Rush publicly denied rumours that Stroll verbally abused the crew, stating via Instagram: “Swore at team members? Absolutely not true.”

• Read also: Stroll’s Spanish GP pullout tied to temper flare-up?

But so far, the team has not issued any clarification on whether Stroll will be fit for his home race at next week’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montréal, only deepening the mystery.

With reserve driver Felipe Drugovich theoretically tied up with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the uncertainty leaves Aston Martin in an awkward position heading into next week’s round in Canada.

As the rumor mill continues to spin, the F1 paddock is left wondering what secrets Aston Martin might be holding close – and whether Montreal will reveal the next twist in this enigmatic saga.

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