Krack comments on Stroll rumors: "Typical paddock talk"

(Motorsport-Total.com) - When Lance Stroll canceled his participation in the Spanish Grand Prix at short notice , it came as a surprise to many. Officially, ongoing physical problems were the reason for the Canadian's withdrawal, but other explanations for his failure in Spain have long been circulating in the paddock.

"As is well known, the whole thing started back in 2023," said Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack, when asked about the reasons for Stroll's withdrawal. At the time, the Formula 1 driver suffered two broken wrists in a cycling accident, but fought his way back into the cockpit surprisingly quickly.

This time, too, the decision to skip the race wasn't an easy one. "The riders, and especially Lance, want to race, no matter how much pain they're in. Very often, they probably race with more pain than they'd like to admit, simply because it's their passion," emphasizes team principal Krack.

Stroll's rehabilitation still unclear

In the weeks leading up to the Spanish Grand Prix, however, there had been "repeated indications" of discomfort. Only after qualifying was it decided, together with the medical team, that a start was not advisable.

Stroll himself mentioned an upcoming medical "procedure," but Krack is unwilling or unable to provide details. "I'm not a doctor. Further tests are pending. We'll know more in the next few days."

The uncertainty also raises questions regarding the upcoming race in Montreal – Stroll's home race. Krack explains that Plan A remains for the Canadian to return to the cockpit. Should that not be possible, an alternative plan is in place. An additional complication, however, is the 24 Hours of Le Mans, for which Aston's reserve driver Felipe Drugovich is scheduled to compete .

What happened behind the scenes?

Particularly explosive surrounding Stroll's forced break are the rumors circulating in the paddock. According to a BBC report , some are speculating that Stroll's injury may have worsened when he banged on a table in frustration after a disappointing qualifying in Barcelona.

Others claim that the withdrawal was less due to physical pain than to psychological pressure. However, Krack firmly rejects these speculations.

"I was at the pit wall and didn't hear anything like that. That's typical paddock talk," he says, refusing to give the rumors any further weight. Whether Stroll will actually be able to return to the cockpit soon remains to be seen. The only thing that's certain is that his retirement raises questions.