Aston Martin F1 driver Lance Stroll was a late withdrawal from the Spanish Grand Prix, complaining of pain in the hand and wrist – after-effects of a medical procedure he underwent after a cycling accident on the eve of the 2023 season.

But the timing of the decision meant it was too late to slot in a replacement.

In theory, Aston Martin has a reserve driver available – 2022 F2 champion Felipe Drugovich – and it could also use Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas, winner of 10 grands prix. But the sporting regulations are very clear about when teams are permitted to change drivers.

Article 32.1 of the regulations sets out that during each season a team may use up to a maximum of four drivers in races. But at a normal grand prix weekend – which Barcelona is – such a change cannot happen after qualifying.

“Provided any change proposed after the end of initial scrutineering receives the consent of the stewards,” continues Article 32.2, “a change of driver may be made: a) At each Competition where a sprint session is not scheduled, at any time before the start of the qualifying session. b) At each Competition where a sprint session is scheduled, at any time before the start of the sprint qualifying session for a driver who will participate in the sprint session, or at any time before the start of the qualifying session for a driver who will participate in the race.

“Additional changes for reasons of force majeure will be considered separately.”

Since Aston Martin did not announce Stroll’s withdrawal until Saturday night, after the end of the session in which Stroll qualified 14th for the race, the effective deadline had passed.

“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,” said the team’s statement.

Given that this situation has been building for some time, it would be difficult for the team to make a ‘force majeure’ case for replacing Stroll this weekend. It could, however, do so ahead of the next round in Canada if he remains indisposed.