Lance Stroll has opened up on his heroic effort at the Bahrain Grand Prix as the Aston Martin man defied medics to finish the race in sixth.
On February 18, just two weeks before the season opening race, the Canadian driver suffered a harrowing bike accident while training in Spain. Scans showed fractures in both his wrists, his left hand, and in the big toe on his right foot.
The injuries ruled him out of all three days of pre-season testing the following week, replaced by Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich. The Brazilian also seemed set to deputise in Bahrain and beyond, amid speculation the 24-year-old would be ruled out for a number of events.
But Stroll some how made it to the grid, and despite seemingly struggling in free practice and qualifying, started Sunday's race in eighth. Even then, he recovered from clipping teammate Fernando Alonso early on to secure a top-six place, with the Spaniard on the podium in third.
And now Stroll has taken to Instagram to fell fans how the saga unfolded, revealing Dr. Mir told me he'd "be back for Jeddah" on March 16-18, but that Bahrain was nothing more than a "faint possibility." Alongside a number of pictures of him being treated in hospital, as well as his initial scan results, he wrote: "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."
And he then outlined the dedication he needed to restore his fitness. "My medical team ensured we were doing anything and everything that showed some evidence for bone healing," he added. "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 on day four the cast was removed, and Stroll was devised a programme to help strengthen his wrists. And amid what he called "hard work and persistence," he praised those who helped him make it: "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!!!"
The official Aston Martin team account themselves responded, clearly pleased with their driver for his part in their dramatic weekend: "Incredible determination," they said. "So proud."
