P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The F1 grid has been reduced to just 19 cars for the Spanish Grand Prix – here is why Aston Martin is unable to replace Lance Stroll.
Aston Martin announced on Saturday night that Lance Stroll had withdrawn from the Spanish Grand Prix due to hand and wrist pains from a cycling accident.
Stroll qualified in 14th place but Aston Martin decided he would not race just hours after the qualifying session.
F1 teams have reserve drivers for such situations, but neither Felipe Drugovich nor Stoffel Vandoorne can replace Stroll in Spain due to F1 regulations.
According to Article 32.2 a) of the F1 sporting regulations, a driver can only be replaced before the start of the qualifying session.
It remains uncertain how long Stroll’s recovery will take, potentially leading Drugovich or Vandoorne to step in at a future race.
However, this may cause complications as both drivers are scheduled to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the same weekend.
