Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar

The Aston Martin driver shoved his personal trainer and gave an angry six-word interview after qualifying

Kieran Jackson
Formula 1 Correspondent
Wednesday 11 October 2023 04:41 EDT
Comments
Lance Stroll pushes trainer before angry outburst in Qatar

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lance Stroll is under investigation and ‘may have contravened FIA rules, policies and procedures’ during the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Aston Martin driver, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, was furious after only qualifying 17th during Friday’s qualifying session in Lusail.

The 24-year-old threw his steering wheel, appeared to ignore obligatory weighing protocols and then shoved his personal trainer, Henry Howe, at the back of the garage.

Stroll then gave a six-word interview to F1’s media channels, including an expletive, before storming out of shot. It has been reported that Friday’s incidents are the topic of discussion between Stroll and the FIA compliance officer.

An FIA spokesperson said in a statement: "The FIA Compliance Officer is in discussion with Lance Stroll in relation to several incidents that may have contravened FIA rules, policies and procedures during the Qatar Grand Prix."

Sky F1 pundit Naomi Schiff described Stroll’s conduct as “completely inappropriate.”

Ultimately, the Canadian finished Sunday’s grand prix just outside the points in 11th place, while team-mate Fernando Alonso finished sixth.

Lance Stroll pushes trainer before angry outburst in Qatar

Stroll claimed he passed out at the wheel because of the extreme humidity during Sunday’s race. A number of other drivers also experienced problems, with the FIA undergoing a review of a chaotic event in Qatar.

Alonso has scored 183 points this season to Stroll’s 47, with the Spaniard also claiming all of Aston Martin’s seven podiums this season.

"It’s cost them [Aston Martin] in the constructors’ championship,” ex-F1 driver Karun Chandok told Sky Sports.

“Earlier in the year, we were looking at them being second in the constructors and they are likely to end up fifth with the way McLaren have caught up with them.

"The reality is he has scored less than a third of Alonso’s points. McLaren have benefited that they have two drivers racking up the points and it’s allowed them to catch up."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in