Lance Stroll has revealed the horrific extent of the injuries he sustained ahead of Formula 1’s pre-season testing.
Many speculated the injuries would prevent Stroll from lining up on the grid for the opening race in Bahrain which was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
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Stroll’s place on the grid was further questioned during the second practice sessions when footage showed the Aston Martin driver had to take his hand off the wheel and push the underside of it to make a corner.
The worrying footage had many calling for the FIA to step in and hold the driver out of the opening race.
As we now know the Canadian defied the odds and drove brilliantly as he crossed the line sixth with teammate Fernando Alonso pulling off a stunning third place finish.
In the wake of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Stroll has shared to his social media accounts the eye-opening extent of just how bad of a spot he was in after having an accident while riding his bicycle.
A montage video shows Stroll laying in a hospital bed with both arms wrapped up before showing off X-rays and his steps towards recovery.
“I want to take a moment today to reflect on the last couple weeks, and share my story with you guys,” Stroll wrote.
“On Saturday, February 18th I crashed on my bike while training in Spain. The scans showed I had a fracture and displacement in my right wrist, a fracture in my left wrist, a partial fracture in my left hand and finally another fracture in the big toe on my right foot.
“With the beginning of the season right around the corner the timing could not have been worse. My medical team, at first, believed I was not only going to miss testing, but realistically the first few races.
“48 hours after my accident/12 days before the first race Dr. Javier Mir successfully operated on my right wrist. Following surgery, Dr. Mir told me I’d be back for Jeddah if I worked hard and with a bit of luck he was optimistic I could race in Bahrain – but that was a faint possibility. To this day I am convinced the urgency Dr. Mir showed to me helped get me to Bahrain.
“The work wasn’t done. Unfortunately, Dr. Mir explained that the fractures in my left hand/wrist and toe weren’t suitable for fixation, and that I’d need to rely on a more conservative approach to heal my other injuries.
“My medical team ensured we were doing anything and everything that showed some evidence for bone healing. It became my full time job, trying to combine everything that could help, even if it was by 0.5%.
“Initially progress was slow – I needed a lot of help even with daily tasks at home.
“But each day got better and once the cast came off on day 4 it became possible we had a chance of racing in Bahrain. My medical team devised a programme that would help me restore mobility and strength in my wrists.
“Rehab required hard work and persistence – but with an incredible medical team and my friends and family supporting me – I was able to push through the pain and get back on track in Bahrain with my team and fellow drivers.
“And we did it!!!
“I am thankful for everyone who supported me, sent kind notes and wishes!”
Stroll and Alonso stunned the F1 world with their brilliant showing during the opening race, putting the rest of the paddock on notice.
The results mean Aston Martin currently sit second in the constructors’ championship ahead of Mercedes and Ferrari.
All eyes now turn to Saudi Arabia for the second race of the season which will be lights out on March 20 at 4am (AEDT).