F1 woes pushed Stroll toward GT adventure at Paul Ricard

While Formula 1 remains in pause mode this month, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has opted to dive headfirst into a very different challenge this weekend at Paul Ricard.

The Canadian will line up in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup opener in France, sharing an Aston Martin Vantage with former F1 racer Roberto Merhi and rising talent Mari Boya for Comtoyou Racing.

The unexpected switch comes courtesy of a rare gap in the F1 calendar, following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix – but for Stroll, the move is about more than just filling time.

The idea was born not in a boardroom, but over dinner with Mehri – a close friend of Carlos Sainz – during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

“We had the idea to do a GT race together,” he said. “That’s really where it all started, in Japan.”

But what began as casual conversation quickly gathered momentum. Stroll sought advice from Max Verstappen, who has increasingly immersed himself in GT racing alongside his F1 commitments.

“We talked about who to contact, and since he’s already involved in GT racing, we discussed it a bit,” he said.

With Verstappen already building experience in endurance racing – including plans for the Nürburgring 24 Hours – his input helped Stroll turn a spontaneous idea into reality in a matter of days.

Escaping F1 frustrations

For Stroll, the timing is telling. After a difficult start to the 2026 season, in which he has yet to finish a Grand Prix, the Canadian is embracing the opportunity to reset.

“I really enjoyed racing the 24 Hours of Daytona. It’s a race I truly loved,” he said, referencing his two starts in the endurance classic.

“Since then, I’ve been very focused on Formula 1, but this year we don’t have a very competitive car, and we now have some time without races.

“So, it was an idea to change things up a bit – a different mindset during the break.”

The change of scenery and discipline offers Stroll a chance to rediscover rhythm and confidence away from the relentless pressure of F1.
A rapid turnaround

What makes the move even more remarkable is how quickly it came together.

“Jean-Michel [Baert, Comtoyou team owner] was very accommodating, and we organised everything in about a week,” the Aston charger revealed.

“So, a big thank you to Jean-Michel. That’s why I’m here racing this weekend.”

• Read also: How Verstappen stunned GT3 teammate with ‘special’ trick

In just days, Stroll has gone from paddock frustration to a fresh challenge on one of GT racing’s most demanding stages.

Whether it proves to be a simple detour or the spark for a turnaround remains to be seen – but for now, Stroll is stepping out of Formula 1’s shadows and into something new.

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