F1 News: Lance Stroll Extremely Cautious About '24 Season Opener - "Not Allowed To Leave"

Lance Stroll humorously commented on his cautious approach to the 2024 season opener, reflecting on the difficulties he faced last year during the season opener.

Having skipped the 2023 pre-season testing in Bahrain due to an injury, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll jokingly mentioned that his home is now filled with pillows for added protection. He playfully added that he is under a self-imposed confinement to ensure his presence at the pre-season testing this year.

Key Takeaways:

• Lance Stroll, who missed the 2023 pre-season testing due to an injury, humorously mentioned that he has filled his home with pillows for added protection and imposed a self-imposed confinement to ensure his participation in the upcoming pre-season testing.
• Pre-season testing is crucial for optimal preparation, especially when both testing and the first race occur at the same venue. However, Stroll faced setbacks last season by missing testing after a cycling accident in Spain jeopardized his involvement in the pre-testing in Bahrain.
• Despite undergoing surgery just 12 days before the opening race, Stroll participated in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it took him a few rounds to match the pace. This year, he is determined to avoid a similar scenario and has humorously shared his game plan of being cautious to ensure his presence at the pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Entering pre-season testing holds great significance to commence the campaign in optimal conditions, particularly when both testing and the initial race of the year transpire at the same location. Yet, Stroll encountered a substantial setback last season by skipping testing. Before heading to Bahrain, the Canadian faced a cycling mishap in Spain, placing his involvement in the season opener at risk.

Even after undergoing surgery merely 12 days before the opening race, Lance Stroll encountered his initial true test of pushing the car to its limits at the Bahrain Grand Prix. While Stroll's dedication to racing was evident as he participated in Bahrain, it required a few rounds for him to match the pace.

Stroll's absence from testing posed a significant hindrance. The setup work typically tackled during testing was a privilege Stroll missed in 2023. Having arrived at the Bahrain International Circuit a year ago with a bandaged wrist, he is determined to prevent a similar recurrence next week and thus, humorously revealed his game plan at the launch of Aston Martin's 2024 car. Speaking to the media, he said:

"My apartment is stacked with pillows and I'm not allowed to leave. 

"I'm allowed to go running.

"Actually no one told me this.

"I think we live and we learn every day. So I'm running, I'm watching my step while I run. No ankle twisting, none of that funny business just running in a straight stride.

"And yeah, just looking after my limbs, I want to get to Bahrain testing this year. So that's the game plan."

Aston Martin Press Image

Keep up with the latest news on YouTube!