Stroll details injuries, unlikely return for Bahrain GP
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After missing pre-season testing at the end of February, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll made what he now calls an unlikely return to race at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
His return was part of a strong weekend for Aston Martin as Stroll finished sixth, while teammate Fernando Alonso placed third, behind the two Red Bull cars.
In a lengthy Instagram post Tuesday, the Montreal Que., native detailed the injuries he sustained in a pre-season cycling incident in Spain and the surgery he needed in order to return to racing.
"I want to take a moment today to reflect on the last couple weeks, and share my story with you guys," Stroll wrote. "On Saturday, February 18th I crashed on my bike while training in Spain. The scans showed I had a fracture and displacement in my right wrist, a fracture in my left wrist, a partial fracture in my left hand and finally another fracture in the big toe on my right foot.
"With the beginning of the season right around the corner the timing could not have been worse. My medical team, at first, believed I was not only going to miss testing, but realistically the first few races.
"48 hours after my accident/12 days before the first race Dr. Javier Mir successfully operated on my right wrist. Following surgery, Dr. Mir told me I’d be back for Jeddah if I worked hard and with a bit of luck he was optimistic I could race in Bahrain - but that was a faint possibility. To this day I am convinced the urgency Dr. Mir showed to me helped get me to Bahrain.
"The work wasn’t done. Unfortunately, Dr. Mir explained that the fractures in my left hand/wrist and toe weren’t suitable for fixation, and that I’d need to rely on a more conservative approach to heal my other injuries.
"My medical team ensured we were doing anything and everything that showed some evidence for bone healing. It became my full time job, trying to combine everything that could help, even if it was by 0.5%.
"Initially progress was slow - I needed a lot of help even with daily tasks at home.
"But each day got better and once the cast came off on day 4 it became possible we had a chance of racing in Bahrain. My medical team devised a programme that would help me restore mobility and strength in my wrists.
"Rehab required hard work and persistence - but with an incredible medical team and my friends and family supporting me - I was able to push through the pain and get back on track in Bahrain with my team and fellow drivers.
"And we did it!!!
"I am thankful for everyone who supported me, sent kind notes and wishes!"
Reserve driver Felipe Drugovich replaced Stroll as the teammate to Fernando Alonso in testing. Stroll is heading into his seventh F1 season with three podium finishes in his career.