Lance Stroll couldn’t drive a single lap at Monza

Lance Stroll had a day to forget on Friday in Monza.

The Aston Martin driver was unable to complete a single lap in the first two free practice sessions before the Italian Grand Prix.

At the start of the second lap, the Quebecer had to pull over to the side of the track due to a malfunction in his car’s fuel system, which resulted in a red flag.

After a few minutes in which he was able to evacuate his car, the session continued without incident.

Stroll gave way to Brazilian development driver Felipe Drugovich in the first session.

“I’m not sure where we are,” he admitted, according to Aston Martin’s website. […] At least the team was able to collect data thanks to Felipe and Fernando [Alonso]then we will have something to build on tomorrow [samedi].”

To the great delight of the audience, Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. from the Ferrari team set the fastest time in this second session. He beat the British Lando Norris (McLaren) and the Mexican Sergio Pérez (Red Bull).

Alonso, Stroll’s teammate, finished eighth in the second practice session and sixth in the first.

“It was a tough day in general because we only ran one car in the second free practice, but Fernando did very well in FP1,” Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough added. […] The fuel system issue was a little frustrating…”

Mercedes has problems

For his part, the reigning champion, the Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull), was happy with fifth place, behind the McLaren of the Australian Oscar Piastri, but ahead of the other Ferrari, that of the Monegasque Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen has the opportunity to claim a tenth consecutive win on Sunday, which would be an F1 record. He currently shares the brand with the German Sebastian Vettel.

Mercedes wasn’t there. Brits George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished ninth and 17th respectively in the second session.

A third is scheduled for Saturday before qualifying, which begins at 10 a.m. (Quebec time).

Ranking of the second free practice:

  • Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari) 1:21.355 (23 laps)
  • Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:21.374 (20)
  • Sergio Pérez (MEX/Red Bull) 1:21.540 (17)
  • Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:21.545 (21)
  • Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:21.631 (20)
  • Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:21.716 (23)
  • Alexander Albon (THA/Williams-Mercedes) 1:21.979 (19)
  • Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:22.071 (16)
  • George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 1:22.176 (20)
  • Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Haas-Ferrari) 1:22.291 (19)
  • Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) 1:22.574 (21)
  • Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) 1:22.595 (19)
  • Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine-Renault) 1:22.651 (22)
  • Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/AlphaTauri-Red Bull) 1:22.696 (23)
  • Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine-Renault) 1:22.716 (22)
  • Logan Sargeant (USA/Williams-Mercedes) 1:22.755 (24)
  • Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:22.783 (23)
  • Liam Lawson (NZL/AlphaTauri-Red Bull) 1:23.167 (23)
  • Zhou Guanyu (CHN/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) 1:23.346 (20)
  • Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 0.000 (2)
  • – With AFP