Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll posted a video and message on social media detailing his recovery from a bike accident a few weeks ago.
Stroll revealed that he suffered fractures to both wrists, one hand and one of his big toes just 12 days before the start of the 2023 Formula One season in Bahrain.
After taking some time to recover, Stroll took part in qualifying and the race on Sunday, moving up two places to finish P6 and pick up eight points in the first grand prix of the season.
“I want to take a moment today to reflect on the past two weeks and share my story with you,” Stroll shared on social media.
‘On Saturday February 18 I fell off my bike while training in Spain. Scans showed that he had a fracture and displacement of his right wrist, a fracture of his left wrist, a partial fracture of his left hand, and finally another fracture of his right big toe.
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll has revealed that he broke a hand, both wrists and a toe in an accident
The Canadian driver posted a video and a message on social media detailing his recovery.
‘With the start of the season just around the corner, the timing couldn’t have been worse. My medical team, at first, believed that I would not only miss the tests, 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.
‘After the surgery, Dr. Mir told me that he would return to Jeddah if he worked hard and hopefully he was optimistic that he would be able to race in Bahrain, but that was a long shot. To this day, I am convinced that the urgency Dr. Mir showed me helped me get to Bahrain.
‘The work was not done. Unfortunately, Dr. Mir explained that the fractures in my left hand/wrist and toe were not suitable for fixation, and that I would need to rely on a more conservative approach to heal my other injuries.
“My medical team made sure that we were doing everything that would show some evidence of bone healing.
‘It became my full-time job, trying to match everything that could help, even if it was 0.5 per cent. Initially, progress was slow: he needed a lot of help even with daily chores at home.
“But every day he got better and once the cast came off on Day 4, it was possible that we would have a chance to compete in Bahrain.”
‘My medical team came up with a program that would help me restore mobility and strength in my wrists.
The 24-year-old managed to recover in time to take part in the Formula 1 season opener
Stroll crashed his bike in Spain before testing in Bahrain at the end of February.
He said his medical team devised a program to help restore mobility and strength to his wrists.
Stroll said doctors devised a training plan for him to return for the second Grand Prix of the season in Saudi Arabia, believing his chances of reaching Bahrain were remote.
“Rehabilitation required hard work and persistence, but with an incredible medical team and the support of my friends and family, I was able to overcome the pain and get back on track in Bahrain with my team and fellow drivers.
And we did it!!! I’m thankful for everyone who supported me, sent kind notes and wishes!’
It was a difficult transition at the start of the Grand Prix for Stroll, who collided with new teammate Fernando Alonso at turn four on the opening lap.
That left him a spot in P9, but by lap five, he was back in P8, where the race started.
After keeping pace behind Alonso for most of the race in P7, he moved up one place when the engine in Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari gave out.
As it progressed, Stroll recovered enough to compete and participate in qualifying in Bahrain.
New teammate Fernando Alonso praised Stroll, calling him “my driver of the day”.
Alonso, who also finished in the points after taking a podium finish with a P3 finish, praised Stroll’s driving, calling him “my fucking hero” and “my driver of the day”.
After the race is complete, Stroll mentioned that he was struggling throughout the day, but kept his eyes on the points.
‘Pain, pushing through pain… we had a great car and I was just thinking about the points and I knew we were in a very good position.
So, I just took it corner by corner pushing through the pain and, um, yeah, I brought it home…
“A great day for the third and sixth team, tons of points, very happy.”