F1 star to miss Spanish GP and undergo surgery after serious injury as grid altered

 Aston Martin have confirmed that Lance Stroll will miss the Spanish Grand Prix as he prepares to undergo surgery.

Stroll felt discomfort in his hand and wrist, with the team revealing that the Canadian's pain is likely linked to a previous operation he had in 2023 after a cycling accident, with the 28-year-old racer facing fresh issues recently.

In an official statement released on Saturday evening, Aston Martin said: "Over the course of the past six weeks Lance has been experiencing pain in his hand and wrist, which his medical consultant believes is in relation to the procedure he underwent in 2023.

"As a result his medical team have confirmed that he will not race tomorrow and he will undergo a procedure to rectify these issues before focusing on his recovery."

Unfortunately for the team, no replacement driver can take Stroll's place in the upcoming Spanish GP as the rules stipulate only those who took part in qualifying can participate in the race.

Stroll was due to begin Sunday's race from the 14th spot on the grid. Fernando Alonso, now the lone driver for Aston Martin in Barcelona, secured 10th position in qualifying for his home event. After Stroll's withdrawal, the other drivers lining up behind him will still start in their slated positions rather than moving up one place.

The Canadian was under investigation in Barcelona for not following post-qualifying procedure as he stayed in his garage for five minutes before getting weighed. It's unknown if the incident is linked to his hand injury.

Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri clinched pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix, narrowly beating his McLaren colleague Lando Norris as the two Papaya drivers line up alongside each other on the front row.

Felipe Drugovich, the team's reserve driver, could be called into action depending on the recovery time required after Stroll's surgery. The 25-year-old Brazilian was the 2022 F2 champion but has not raced in F1.