Canadian Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll will step into GT3 competition for the first time during the current extended break in the F1 calendar. The 27-year-old Aston Martin driver is scheduled to participate in GT World Challenge Europe's season opener at Circuit Paul Ricard on April 11-12.
Comtoyou Racing will field the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo that Stroll will co-drive with Roberto Mehri and Mari Boya. Boya currently races in Formula 2 and is part of Aston Martin's driver development program.
Filling the Calendar Gap
The GT3 race weekend coincides with what should have been the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, one of two Middle East races cancelled due to regional conflicts. These cancellations have created an unusual five-week gap in Formula 1's schedule, with the Miami Grand Prix on May 2-4 marking the next F1 race where Stroll will drive his AMR26.
Building on Sports Car Experience
While this represents Stroll's first GT3 competition, he has previous endurance racing credentials. The Canadian competed twice at the Daytona 24 Hours in prototype machinery, achieving a fifth-place overall finish in 2016.
The timing provides a competitive outlet for Stroll amid Aston Martin's challenging 2026 F1 campaign. Power-unit reliability problems have prevented the Canadian from completing any races so far this season, making the GT3 opportunity particularly welcome.
Stroll joins other F1 drivers exploring GT3 racing during the break, including Max Verstappen, who is set to compete at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May.
Source: F1 Chronicle